Saplings for motors

THE USAGE of booster pumps to draw water directly from supply mains has long posed a major headache for the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC). Although periodic raids are conducted and motors seized these are handed back in return for a nominal fine and the practice continues unabated.

THE USAGE of booster pumps to draw water directly from supply mains has long posed a major headache for the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC). Although periodic raids are conducted and motors seized these are handed back in return for a nominal fine and the practice continues unabated.

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Now, civic body officials have hit upon a novel method to curb the menace. The Corporation is making offenders deposit 100 saplings at the IMC nursery instead of levying fines.

The innovative method was first brought into use on Saturday when the Waterworks Department seized seven motors and a tractor that was being used to draw water illegally from Yeshwant Sagar reservoir for irrigation purposes.

The IMC made the offenders, Satish Chaukse and Tej Ram, deposit 200 saplings before releasing the machinery. They were also warned that a repeat offence would not only result in fines but legal proceedings would also be initiated against them.

“The new punishment will not only act as a deterrent to motor users owing to the higher costs involved but also help increase green cover. The Corporation will choose the site where the saplings are to be planted and also take care of their maintenance,” declared Mayor-in-Council member in charge of Waterworks Munnalal Yadav.

“Although we are concentrating mainly on Yeshwant Sagar at the moment a concerted crackdown will soon be launched against those using motors to draw water from supply mains,” he concluded.