Kick-starting the disconnection drive, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) officials identified 224 cases on Monday, the first day of the drive.
While water and sanitary connections of 99 consumers have been unplugged (disconnected) for tapping into the services illegally, notices have been issued to 125 consumers. Consumers of areas surrounding Shamanna Garden, Bapujinagar 1 and 2 stage, Maruthinagar, Hosaguddadahalli, and surrounding areas of Bapujinagar ward came under the scanner on the first day. The nine Jagruta squads set up for the purpose went door to door to detect unauthorised connections.
Borewells spared
The free borewell connections in the new areas that were also supposed to be disconnected as most residents (contented with the free borewell supply) were not keen on obtaining metered connections, have however, been left untouched.
Official sources said although the plan was to disconnect free borewell supply also to ensure residents took metered connections, it would not be done now. “We will take up disconnection of unauthorised connections as of now. Borewell connections will be spared for the time being to avoid incurring wrath of people,” a senior official said.
On Tuesday, the Board has planned to take up the drive in Maruthinagar, Kavika Layout, New Colony, all crosses of RPC Layout and surrounding areas of Hampinagar (No-133 ward).
Noted violators
According to a BWSSB press release, the officials of Central sub-division area disconnected water and sanitary lines of Hotel City Centre for defaulting on payment of pro-rata charges, which were calculated to be to the tune of Rs. 57 lakh.
Pro-rata charges are one-time service charges collected by BWSSB for providing new drinking water and sanitary connections to buildings. The charges are calculated at the rate of Rs. 300 for every square metre of built up area for the connections in commercial buildings.
The officials also recovered a total of Rs. 35,000 from consumers in South East 1 Division. Over 100 notices were issued to consumers of Magadi Road Service Station to either pay up or face disconnection, the release added.
