National Sports Club of India fined for misuse of water

The National Sports Club of India (NSCI) in Mumbai has been slapped a hefty fine of INR 2.55 crore by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for misusing the water connection at its campus and for using water in construction work despite not having permission from the civic body. The letter was sent to the secretary of NSCI last week, where the exact calculations for the water charges are INR 2,55,58,030 from June 20, 2003, to December 31, 2019.

However, a committee member of the NSCI, Viren Shah, stated that the club has not been fined but there are outstanding dues that have not been paid by the ex-managing committee. "There was an outstanding payment by the ex-managing committee, which was not paid and we have now paid the same. There was also an error in the calculation of the amount, which was earlier pegged at Rs 2.90 crore. Following recalculation, we have paid Rs 2.55 crore on Monday," he said.

Calling up individuals and organisations for misusing or mismanaging natural resources is an applaudable deed, especially in the age when preserving them is the strict need of the hour. Earlier this year, star cricketer Virat Kohli too was in the news after he was fined by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) for wasting water in his DLF house in July.

After residents complained that Kohli's domestic help was wasting water by washing the cricketer's luxury cars with a garden hose pipe, he was fined, with a warning that the second violation would lead to the fine being doubled.

“One of Kohli’s domestic helps was spotted cleaning a luxury hatchback with a garden hose pipe. The use of running water is strictly prohibited in the current season. Only a bucket of water is allowed for washing vehicles and watering plants. MCG officials immediately issued a challan at the spot, under sections 180 and 181 of the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act, 1994. The domestic help paid the ₹500 fine on the spot and was let off after a warning that a second violation in the residence would lead to doubling of the fine, while a third offence will lead to discontinuance of the water supply,” said SS Rohilla, public relation officer (PRO) of MCG.

The country has been facing severe water crises in recent times, and calling out the ones who do waste it, should be encouraged.