Kolkata, July 9 -- West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister Agnimitra Paul on Thursday directed Asansol Municipal Corporation (AMC) officials to crack down on water theft, warning that illegal connections would be disconnected. The directive came at the 'Mukhomukhi' programme following complaints of pumps being used to siphon water from civic supply lines.
"A person is entitled to 135 litres of water a day. A family of four, therefore, requires about 540 litres. But we have received complaints that some households are using pumps to illegally draw water from civic supply lines. A survey will be conducted, and strict action will be taken against those involved," Paul said.
The minister also took note of complaints about illegal constructions and the unauthorised use of river water by some factories in Jamuria, directing officials to initiate appropriate action.
Later, the minister conducted a surprise inspection across Asansol to review footpath encroachments and traffic congestion.
Accompanied by senior traffic police officials, Paul inspected stretches of GT Road and directed authorities to clear footpath encroachments, saying pedestrian walkways must remain unobstructed. She also pulled up officials over indiscriminate parking by buses and cars, which has been causing traffic congestion, and instructed the traffic police to strictly enforce parking rules, including wheel-locking of vehicles parked illegally.
Speaking to reporters, the minister said the state government was committed to ensuring smooth traffic movement and safeguarding public convenience.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.