Mysuru City Corporation’s drive to stop supply of water to defaulters draws flak

MYSURU: In a bid to crackdown on those defaulting on bills, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has decided to stop supply of drinking water and sever their connection to the underground drainage (UGD) network.
However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from mayor Sunanda Palanetra, who has pointed out that such an action constitutes a violation of human rights.
The drive was launched across the 65 wards falling under the jurisdiction of the MCC at the instance of the civic agency’s commissioner G Lakshmikantha Reddy.
The MCC commissioner pointed out that the civic agency is owed up to Rs 195 crore in dues from those yet to pay their water bill. “Some of the defaulters include commercial establishments and industries,” Reddy added.
He said that, the mounting dues had left the MCC coping with a fiscal crisis, making it difficult to ensure regular supply of drinking water to all the residents.
“This was what prompted us to undertake a drive to stop supply of drinking water to defaulters,” Reddy said.
The MCC had compiled a list of defaulters in each of the 65 wards, he added.
“In some cases, the MCC will initiate stringent action to enforce the rules. We are making all efforts to optimise revenue collection.” Reddy told TOI.
Mayor Sunanda told TOI that the government could not refuse access to clean drinking water to its citizens.
“Stopping water supply to residents is not right given that the elderly and children in the homes of defaulters will have to bear the brunt of it. I will direct the authorities to stop this drive, and we will discuss other ways to recover the dues from households, commercial establishments and industries at the upcoming MCC Council meeting,” Sunada said.
Chandrakanth, an advocate, said that access to safe and clean drinking water was a fundamental right.
“Right to drink clean water falls under the Right to Life that is guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. Disconnection of water service for failure to pay bills is a violation of human rights,” Chandrakanth told TOI.
Kuvempunagar resident K Gangadhar told TOI that the MCC must encourage the defaulters to pay the principal, and take the interest on instalment.
“The previous initiative had reduced the burden on defaulters. But a drive to stop supply of water is inhuman,” Gangadhar said.