Water Waste: Hefty Fines Of Up To Rs 200,000 From Feb 17

In a move to curb the alarming rate of water waste, the Council of Ministers has given the green light to amend the Central Water Authority (Dry Season) Regulations 2025, effective from February 17, 2025. This bold decision comes in response to the precarious state of our reservoirs, which are dwindling at an unprecedented rate.

Stringent restrictions will be imposed on the use of water from the Central Water Authority’s network or any other watercourse for “non-essential” activities, including:

• Washing vehicles
• Cleaning pavements or buildings
• Watering gardens or lawns
• Filling swimming pools

It is worth noting that these prohibitions extend to the use of hosepipes, automatic sprinklers, and high-pressure cleaners, unless a valid justification is provided.

Furthermore, to ensure flexible and responsive management, the Water Resources Monitoring Committee will determine and revise the irrigation schedule for vegetable and crop farms based on water availability. However, the irrigation of sugarcane fields will remain suspended.

SEVERE PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE

Anyone found contravening these regulations will be committing an offence and, upon conviction, will face severe sanctions, including:

• For domestic consumers: a fine of up to Rs 50,000 and a prison term of up to 2 years
• For all other cases: a fine of up to Rs 200,000 and a prison term of up to 2 years

This drastic measure is a clarion call to the nation to take immediate action to conserve our precious water resources.

As the clock ticks closer to February 17, the people are urged to take heed of these regulations and join the fight against water waste.

Source: Defi Media