Motor pumping blamed for inconsistent water supply in capital

GANGTOK, 29 May: Electric motor pumps, now being used extensively by hoteliers and residents, especially in the town area, have been causing uneven supply of water in the capital. The Water Supply & PHE Department [WS & PHE] has been receiving complaints of irregular supply from many areas in the capital, an complaint which had initially flummoxed them since supply through the main waterlines has been uninterrupted for a while now.
The Water Security & PHE Department Chief Engineer, TB Gurung and his team of officials today met the Mayor, KN Topgay, to discuss the problem and seek support and cooperation from the Gangtok Municipal Corporation in addressing the issue.
The Chief Engineer mentioned that despite sufficient water supply to Gangtok, people from different areas of the capital have been complaining of water shortage and it was found that the problem was due to motor pumps being used by hotels and even in private residences to take in more water. These pumps, it is now being contended, are sucking away the supply from other connections. He stated that it would be difficult for the department to address this problem on its own, so the department has sought help and support from the GMC.
The Mayor, in turn, informed that he will be meeting with the representatives of Sikkim Hotels and Restaurants Association and others concerned to discuss this problem. As a first step, he said that an appeal will be made to the public to stop such practices following which such motor pumps will be confiscated by the Councilors and Municipal Inspectors and strict action would be taken against those who still persisted.
The Mayor further appealed to the hotels and people in the capital to stop using motor pumps to ensure even water supply to everyone.
Chief Engineer, Mr Gurung highlighted that due to such practices around 15% of the people in the capital have been suffering water shortage problems even thought sufficient water is being supplied by the department. He also mentioned that despite the ongoing renovation of the water distribution system, the department has been able to ensure consistent water supply to the people. This revamp, he added has been put into effect because the old system was made to cater to the requirements of a smaller population and now the requirements have increased. The renovation is likely to be completed soon, he said.
Mr Gurung further informed that the department will also be setting up the valve operated meter reading system and this system would help to address the present problems. With this new system the department will know how much water is being used by a particular house and the billing would be as per the utilization.