Guwahati, August 1: The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has introduced a Rs 500 penalty for individuals found damaging the city’s water supply infrastructure, as part of efforts to protect essential public utilities and ensure uninterrupted drinking water services. The new rule has come into force with immediate effect.
The civic body said the measure has been implemented to address incidents involving damage to pipelines, valves, and other components of the water distribution network, whether caused intentionally, through negligence, or by unauthorised interference. Such incidents not only disrupt water supply but also lead to expensive repair work and inconvenience for residents.
According to GMC, even minor damage to water infrastructure can affect the distribution system, resulting in temporary shortages in several localities and impacting thousands of households. The corporation believes stricter enforcement will help minimise such disruptions and improve the reliability of the city’s water supply.
Officials emphasised that safeguarding public infrastructure is a shared responsibility and urged citizens to avoid activities that could harm water supply installations. The newly introduced fine is expected to act as a deterrent while promoting greater public awareness about the importance of preserving civic assets.
The latest decision is part of GMC’s broader initiative to strengthen urban infrastructure management and improve the delivery of essential civic services. By introducing financial penalties for damaging public property, the corporation aims to ensure better protection of critical utilities and encourage responsible civic behaviour among residents.
Authorities have also appealed to the public to report any instances of vandalism or unauthorised tampering with water supply infrastructure so that prompt action can be taken to prevent further damage and maintain uninterrupted water distribution across the city.
