Chas Municipal Corporation (CMC) has decided to impose heavy penalties on illegal water connections. Several teams of CMC officials conducted raids and survey at different locations in Chas and about 36 illegal water connections were disconnected, informed Mukesh Pathak( Tax collector)." Rs 46 thousand has been imposed on the defaulters. This was the first time so only fine was imposed. From next time, stiff action will be taken against them," he added. 

During the raid, we have also seized nine water pumps found illegally connected in the water supply line, he informed. Earlier, we have disconnected 25 illegal water supply connections only in Prabhat Colony and Rs 11,115 was imposed on the defaulters.

Illegal water connection is a crime. Those with illegal water connections in their premises can be imprisoned for up to five years.

Tenants too need to be careful while taking houses on rent. Cases will be filed against the house owner, and if the house owner does not stay on the premises, criminal cases will be booked against the occupants whomsoever it may be, including tenants, said an official.

"If the corporation identifies the illegal connections, then a huge penalty will be imposed besides, criminal cases will be booked against the illegal water connection holder," said Bholu Paswan Mayor CMC.

“I appeal to the residents to opt legal water connections or ready to face criminal cases including going to jail. We are going to be very stringent with water pilferers and also with our field staff for failing to identify illegal connections before our senior officials do it,” he said.