RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has imposed ban on new water connections and has decided to take action against illegal sale of tanker water being pumped from the ground through private tube wells. Earlier, RCB had urged the residents to use water judiciously in their daily routine to avoid shortage in the coming days with a warning to take action against lavish users as RCB is receiving four million gallons from Khanpur Dam due to water level in the dam getting dropped drastically. RCB spokesman Qaiser Mahmood told state-run media that all out efforts are being made to meet the water demand of the residents of Cantonment areas. Action in accordance with the law would be taken against those who waste water on washing cars, gardening and other chores, however, those who will not avoid lavish use of water, the board will cancel their connections. RCB is also taking action against those who have illegal water connections. To a question he said that RCB has been effectively pursuing its plan to avert water shortage and ensure steady water supply to the residents. The board under its campaign, launched to check and disconnect illegal water connections from its areas has disconnected a large number of illegal water connections. He said, the residents have been warned that stern action would be taken with imposition of heavy fines against those who would be found indulging in any such practice in future. Special teams were deployed to check illegal connections, he added. The RCB nowadays, is receiving four million gallons of water from Khanpur Dam while earlier, its quota was 12 which was reduced further to nine. The board is trying to meet the water demand of 19 through its 60 tubewells, he added. Replying to a question he said, efforts are being made to rehabilitate five tubewells that malfunctioned. He informed that the board would take action against illegal sale of water of private tubewells. Published in Daily Times, April 29th 2018.