⚡ The Gist
The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) takes strict action against consumers who fail to pay their pending water tax (Jalkar). Municipal Commissioner Kshitij Singhal issues instructions to ensure time-bound recovery of outstanding dues, making it clear that continued non-payment can lead to disconnection of water supply connections.
The action follows a prescribed notice process, giving consumers an opportunity to clear their dues before the municipal corporation disconnects their water supply.
The Story
Under the new enforcement instructions, Assistant Revenue Officers (AROs) are responsible for calculating the outstanding water tax and issuing payment notices to defaulters.
If consumers fail to deposit the amount within the stipulated period, they receive another notice informing them about the proposed disconnection of their water supply.
If payment remains pending even after this notice, the Assistant Engineer (Water Supply) of the concerned municipal zone proceeds with the disconnection.
Importantly, disconnecting the water supply does not waive the outstanding dues. Consumers remain liable to pay their previous water tax arrears, and the municipal corporation continues recovery proceedings separately.
The municipal corporation carries out this action under Sections 221 and 225 of the Madhya Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1956, which provide the legal framework for recovering municipal dues and taking action in applicable cases.
The move aims to strengthen water tax recovery and encourage timely payments across the city.
🎙️ Indore Talk Take
Recovering water tax is a legitimate responsibility of the municipal corporation, but accountability must work both ways.
While citizens are expected to pay their dues on time, they must also receive accurate bills, transparent calculations and timely resolution of billing complaints.
Before disconnecting a household’s water supply, has every billing discrepancy and genuine consumer grievance been addressed?