Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, DD, The District Magistrate Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Minhas, has ordered strict regulation of all private water tankers in the district after floods badly disrupted the potable water supply system. The step comes in response to growing complaints of overcharging, unequal access and unsafe distribution of water by private operators.
Issuing orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, Dr. Minhas directed that no tanker will now be allowed to supply water independently to households or commercial establishments. All such tankers are requisitioned by the District Administration and placed under the control of the Jal Shakti (PHE) Department for fair and safe distribution.
The order states that tankers operating inside Jammu Municipal Corporation limits must immediately report to designated officials, while those outside city limits must register with the PHE Mechanical Division. Fuel charges for the requisitioned tankers will be borne by the administration.
Private borewells in Jammu have also been requisitioned for filling tankers. Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have been told to submit a list of at least 25 filling stations from each jurisdiction by 6 PM today. They must also identify all private tanker operators in their areas and hand them over to the Jal Shakti Department.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic (City Jammu), has been directed to impound any private tanker found plying without a duty slip issued by the department. Strict enforcement has been assigned to SDMs, Tehsildars, SHOs and concerned engineers.
The District Magistrate warned that anyone violating this order will face penal action under BNSS, 2023, and other applicable laws. The order has been issued with immediate effect and will remain operational until further instructions.
This move aims to check arbitrary pricing and ensure regulated and equitable supply of drinking water to residents during the present crisis.DD