- By Akansha Pandey
- Fri, 14 Nov 2025 07:27 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Most consumers in Nathanpur and Nathuwawala, covered under the Jal Sansthan's World Bank-funded drinking water scheme, are troubled by the issue of excessively high bills. Consumers with these metered connections allege they are receiving bills several times higher than their actual consumption.
In the past, many consumers have protested at the department's branch over similar allegations, after which the department corrected several bills.
The significant point is that the department is now suggesting a "jugaad" (workaround) to these consumers: advising them to install the meter in a U-shape. This suggests that there is a fault with the meters, which the department is attempting to conceal.
The Scheme And The Problem
In Dehradun, approximately 150,000 drinking water connections operate without meters. However, the World Bank-funded scheme for the Nathanpur and Nathuwawala area is maintained to World Bank standards, meaning its 15,000 connections are equipped with meters.
Ever since the scheme became operational, residents have been complaining of high bills. Many consumers have alleged that the meters on their connections were "running even on air," with readings increasing despite no water flow.
Instead of addressing these alleged meter faults, the department is advising the workaround.
The 'U-Shape' Workaround Explained
Typically, a meter is fitted in a straight line between the scheme's distribution main and the consumer's connection pipe.
However, following complaints, the department is suggesting a different method:
- Instead of a direct connection, the consumer's pipe should be raised.
- The meter is then installed at the top of this loop.
- The pipe is then connected downwards to the house.
Essentially, the advice is to shape the connection pipe like the English letter 'U' rather than keeping it straight. After some consumers installed the meter this way, their readings stabilised, and their bills began to reflect actual consumption.
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Current Status And Official Response
More than 300 consumers are still facing problems with high water bills. The Water Boardstates that the high consumption for these consumers could be due to leakages in their pipes and underground tanks. The department is advising them to repair any leakages, while also suggesting the U-shape workaround.
This situation persists despite consumers spending a minimum of Rs 4,000 for a new connection.
For consumption up to 40,000 litres of water, the bill is Rs 449 every two months. For consumption exceeding this amount, the bill increases by Rs 15.40 per thousand litres.
Namit Ramola, Superintending Engineer at Jal Sansthan, stated,"We are receiving the expected bills from 70 per cent of the connections under the schemes. These consumers have no issues. We have all the details available. A few complaints remain, which are being resolved. Consumers were expressing doubts about readings increasing due to air, which is why they were advised to install the meter in a U-shape. This is to ensure the pipeline remains filled with water and to allay their doubts. There is no fault with the meters."