611 tap connections cut, Rs. 33 crores recovered

Thane: The Thane Municipal Corporation's Water Supply Department has launched a vigorous campaign to recover outstanding water bill arrears, resulting in the disconnection of 611 tap connections and the seizure of 30 motor pumps across the municipal area. So far, the initiative has successfully recovered approximately Rs. 33 crores.

The municipal water bill amounts to around Rs. 224 crores, of which Rs. 76 crores is currently outstanding. The bill for the current year stands at Rs. 148 crores. Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao has emphasized that in cases of nonpayment, strict measures will be taken, including the disconnection of tap connections and halting water supply.

To expedite the recovery process, Additional Commissioner Sandeep Malvi has set weekly collection targets. The ongoing campaign involves sealing meter rooms and disconnecting water supply to noncompliant households. Suburban Engineer Vinod Pawar warned that any attempts to restore disconnected pipes without settling dues will lead to legal action.

To encourage timely payment of dues, Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao has announced a 100% discount on the administrative fee for domestic water supply connections. This concession applies to those who pay their outstanding bills in full along with the current year's demand. The scheme is effective from September 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, and is designed to provide financial relief to citizens.

However, this scheme is not applicable to those who have already paid their water supply charges before this decision or to commercial users. The Municipal Corporation urges citizens to take advantage of this offer to avoid further penalties.

Breakdown recovery ward wise:

Naupada - Kopri: 15 connections; Recovery: Rs. 4,54,27,325

Uthalsar: 58 connections; Recovery: Rs. 3,47,32,497

Majiwada - Manpada: 0 connections; Recovery: Rs. 6,21,75,459

Vartaknagar: 35 connections; Recovery: Rs. 2,94,23,710

Kalwa: 0 connections; Recovery: Rs. 2,48,54,228

Wagle: 249 connections; Recovery: Rs. 1,69,77,654

Lokmanya - Savarkar: 37 connections; Recovery: Rs. 3,00,15,742

Mumbra: 105 connections; Recovery: Rs. 3,82,72,463

Diva: 112 connections; Recovery: Rs. 2,86,96,998

HQCFC: 0 connections; Recovery: Rs. 2,76,60,553