Hugging saint may help conserve water

BMC to ask spiritual leaders to help spread message of water conservation

BMC to ask spiritual leaders to help spread message of water conservation

Every drop of water counts after the BMC announced a 15 per cent cut water cut for residential societies and 30 per cent for commercial establishments till July 2010.
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To coerce people to save water, the BMC plans to rope in spiritual leaders like Asaram Bapu and Mata Amritanandamayi.

Positive effect

Additional Municipal Commissioner (BMC) Anil Diggikar said, "We will soon send letters to all religious leaders and request them to ask people to save water.

People will take their words seriously and create awareness about water scarcity."

"We will request the gurus to mention how people can save water during their public gatherings.

Jadoo Ki Jappi:u00a0 Mata Amritanandamayi

At least 50,000 to 1 lakh people attend the gatherings," he added. According to BMC officials, their words will have a positive effect on people.

The BMC has also launched other initiatives to conserve water.

It plans a Jal Saksharta (water literacy) campaign, which will include programmes like Jal Mela, competitions in schools and colleges and spread the message of saving water through hoardings, TV and radio. Badges reading 'Save water, save life' have been distributed to BMC employees.

The civic body has started a toll-free helpline (108) for citizens and will repair wells and dig borewells. "The helpline will help us figure out water pipe leakages and illegal water connections," said Diggikar.

Speak the Truth

The BMC water department will send a questionnaire to corporators about irregular water supply, water leakages and illegal connections.

"Often, corporators spice up meetings by arguing about these problems. We want to know the truth and will visit wards to check the facts," said a senior BMC official.

25%
The deficiency in BMC's water stock compared to last year