India, March 31 -- With the onset of summer and rising cases of unpaid water bills, the BMC's hydraulic department has taken a stringent step: it has pasted public notices across wards, warning defaulters to clear dues by March 31 or face a disconnection of water supply. The move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted water supply across the city and improving bill recovery, particularly in areas with high default rates.

"There are housing societies and especially slums where water bills are always pending," said a BMC official from the hydraulic department of F North ward. "In slums, only 50% pay the water bill. We have issued an ultimatum to them."

The BMC will also adopt stricter water meter regulation. It has directed residents to ensur...