The Honorable Mayor
Kolkata Municipal Corporation
Kolkata, West Bengal

This petition is to bring to your attention a critical issue that requires immediate action: the rampant wastage of water in our beloved city of Kolkata

Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) provides water free of charge to residents. While this is a commendable initiative, it has inadvertently led to significant water wastage due to lack of accountability and proper mechanisms to control usage.

Reports indicate that at least 30% of the total filtered water production is wasted every day. This is an alarming statistic, especially considering the growing concerns over water scarcity and the need for sustainable resource management. The per person water consumption in Kolkata is notably higher than the standard, exacerbating the problem.

One of the primary causes of this wastage is the constant overflow of overhead water tanks. Many residents keep their pumps running, leading to continuous overflow and wastage of both water and electricity. This situation is not only detrimental to our precious water resources but also results in unnecessary energy consumption and increased emissions.

Given the severity of this issue, I urge you to implement the following measures to mitigate water wastage in Kolkata:

• Mandatory Installation of Float Switches: Overhead tanks should be equipped with float switches that automatically turn off pumps when the tanks are full. This simple yet effective solution can save millions of liters of water daily.
• Promotion of Rainwater Harvesting and Water Recycling: Incentives should be provided for residents and businesses to adopt rainwater harvesting and water recycling technologies. These sustainable practices can significantly reduce the dependency on municipal water supply and promote responsible water usage.
• Awareness Campaigns: Launching city-wide awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of water conservation and the impact of wastage on our environment and resources.
• Policy Reforms: Revisiting the free water policy to incorporate measures that encourage conservation. Introducing tiered pricing for water consumption beyond a certain threshold can incentivize judicious use of water.
• Regular Audits and Monitoring: Implementing regular audits and monitoring of water usage patterns to identify and address areas of excessive consumption and wastage.

By taking these steps, Kolkata can set a precedent for sustainable urban water management and contribute significantly to the global efforts in combating water scarcity and environmental degradation. I trust that under your leadership, the city will take swift and effective action to address this pressing issue.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your positive response and prompt action.