Rawalpindi Cantonment Board Imposes New Borewell Regularization Fees
Residents in areas under the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board who installed borewells to cope with water shortages have been asked to pay new regularization charges.
The reported charges are Rs. 55,400 for residential borewells and Rs. 200,000 for commercial borewells. Residents have reportedly been given seven days to deposit the required amount.
Borewell Charges Introduced for Residents
According to reports, the charges were imposed under Resolution No. 23 of a Cantonment Board meeting.
Notices issued to borewell users state that groundwater is being extracted without the required regularization. Residents have therefore been directed to complete the regularization process by paying the prescribed fee.
The charges vary according to the purpose of the borewell, with separate rates set for residential and commercial use.
Water Supply Reportedly Limited to 15 Days
The development comes amid complaints about limited water availability in Rawalpindi Cantonment areas.
According to sources cited in reports, residential and commercial consumers receive water on alternate days, resulting in approximately 15 days of supply during a month despite being billed for the full monthly period.
Residents facing difficulties with the existing supply reportedly installed borewells at their own expense to meet their daily water requirements.
Seven-Day Deadline Given
The notices reportedly give borewell users seven days to pay the regularization charges.
Residential borewell owners have been asked to deposit Rs. 55,400, while the fee for a commercial borewell has been set at Rs. 200,000.
Those who do not comply within the specified period could face removal of their borewells and possible legal action, according to the notices.
Water Shortage Remains a Concern
Water availability has remained a significant issue in Rawalpindi and its cantonment areas. Recent plans have included additional water supplies from Daducha Dam and measures to improve the efficiency of existing water infrastructure.
A recent relief package for Rawalpindi Cantonment residents also included reductions in annual water charges and plans to increase clean-water availability through additional sources.
Residents Face New Compliance Requirement
The borewell regularization notices add another requirement for residents who have turned to groundwater as an alternative source of water.
The latest charges and the seven-day deadline are expected to affect households and businesses that rely on privately installed borewells in Rawalpindi Cantonment areas.
