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GOVERNMENT OF PUDUCHERRY

LOCAL ADMINISTRATION SECRETARIAT

(G.O. Rt. No. 79/LAS/A1/2024, Puducherry, dated 31st December 2024)

NOTIFICATION

The Government of Puducherry hereby notifies the Operation and

Maintenance Policy of Water Supply in the Union territory of Puducherry

(Rural Areas) maintained by the Local Bodies of Union territory of

Puducherry, as detailed in the Annexure to this Notification.



La Gazette de L' État de Poudouchéry

The Gazette of Puducherry

PART - II



EXTRAORDINAIRE

EXTRAORDINARY



Publiée par

Published by



Autorité

Authority

Registered with the Registrar

of Newspapers for India under

No. 10410







2025 }

|

9 {

No. 36 Poudouchéry

Mercredi

Avril

2025

No.

Puducherry

Wednesday

9th

April

2025

(19 Chaitra 1947)

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This issues with the approval of the Hon'ble Lieutenant-Governor

of Union territory of Puducherry.

(By order)

R. RATHNA,

Under Secretary to Government

(Local Administration).

————

CHAPTER – I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Union territory of Puducherry.— The Union territory of

Puducherry was an erstwhile French Colony which consisted of four

unconnected regions: Pondicherry (Presently Puducherry), Karaikal,

Mahe and Yanam. The same division of four regions have been retained

even after the merger of the region with the Indian Territory in the

year 1954. The total land area of Union Territory is 492 Sq. Km. and the

population is 12.44 lakhs as per 2011 census. Today, while Puducherry

and Karaikal are embedded with the State of Tamil Nadu, Yanam is an

enclave of the State of Andhra Pradesh and Mahe is an enclave of the

State of Kerala. Out of the four regions, Puducherry and Karaikal

are the largest ones. (Mahe is the smallest region with an area of

mere 9 Sq. Km.).

The bulk of Puducherry region is an irregular stretch of land

consisting of the Municipalities of Pondicherry and Oulgaret, and

Commune Panchayats of Ariyankuppam, Villianur, Nettapakkam,

Mannadipet and Bahour. The total area of Puducherry region and its

eleven enclaves is 293 Sq. Km. with the total population of 9,46,000

according to the 2011 census.

Karaikal region is situated about 310 Km. South of Chennai and

about 150 Km. from Puducherry on the East Coast. Karaikal region

consists of one Municipality and five Commune Panchayats namely,

Kottucherry, T.R. Pattinam, Thirunallar on the West, Neravy on the

South West and T.R. Pattinam on the South.

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In Puducherry region, the sub-surface water is directly pumped out

from the bore wells into sumps and then to Over Head Tank in respective

zones. From Over Head Tank, water is distributed. Before pumping to

the Over Head Tanks (OHTs), water is treated with chlorine and also

online chlorine dosing done in distribution main to maintain the required

residual chlorine. In some areas, the iron content is high and iron removal

plant is installed.

In Karaikal region, the Urban Water Supply Scheme was

commenced in 1916 by Ex-French Regime and being maintained by Public

Works Department. Earlier the source was from batch of infiltration wells

which were sunken on the Arasalar river bed. As the infiltration wells

became defunct, now the main source of drinking water to the Karaikal

town area is from Agalan Kannu head works through the bore wells

located on the Left / Right tank of River Arasalar. To augment source,

additional bore wells also erected at Vizhidiyur and Nedungadu villages

and pumped through pipe line to Over Head Tank (OHT) located at

Karaikal.

Puducherry and Karaikal Districts comprise of 246 villages in

108 Grama Panchayats in 10 Commune Panchayats within 3 Blocks.

The coastal region of Puducherry is of the most Vulnerable areas

as severe tropical cyclones originates in the surrounding regions. Like

many regions in India, Pondicherry is facing water stress. Demographic

and economic growth exerts considerable pressure on available water

resources. Climate change is also likely to increase the stress. The Union

territory of Puducherry is facing several water related issues including

water scarcity and challenges in water quality.

With the above challenges, the Union territory of Puducherry

places a great deal of importance on the rural water supply sector,

as approximately 32% of the State's population resides in rural areas.

This sector has become increasingly significant in the light of recurring

droughts, decreasing groundwater levels, sea water intrusion, climate

change and floods, which have led to the decrease in the per capital

availability of water.

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1.2. Introduction to water supply Schemes.— The major sources

for the Water Supply Schemes are sub-surface ground water from the

bore wells. With the support of such source, the Water Supply Schemes

are designed and implemented for public use.

There are two types of Water Supply Scheme, i.e., (i) Single Village

Scheme and (ii) Multi Village Scheme.

(i) Single Village Scheme The project where the water is

drawn from a sustainable source within the Village Panchayat and

distributed among its inhabitants. These Schemes have very smaller

infrastructure designed to supply water for one or more rural habitations

within the village Panchayat with in-situ local sources like bore wells/

infiltration wells / open wells.

(ii) Multi Village Scheme On account of unavailability of

dependable water source, Multi Village Scheme (MVS) brings water from

far away area, usually surface or sub-surface water from a dependable

river and the water is either conveyed through pumping or gravity to

more than one habitations. By its very nature, MVS is capital intensive,

maintenance dependent water supply system.

1.3. Need for the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Policy.—

The Union territory of Puducherry resolves that infrastructure and asset

based approach necessitates to provide qualitative drinking water supply

to achieve sustainable services.

This necessitates the need for this operation and maintenance

policy for both combined Water Supply Schemes and Single Village

Schemes.

Infrastructure in water supply sector should be accompanied with

comprehensive policy on operation and maintenance for both combined

Water Supply Schemes and Single Village Schemes. The aim of this water

supply Scheme Operation and Maintenance (O&M) policy is to facilitate

in improving efficiency and sustainability of rural water supply Schemes

across the State. With increasing demand on fresh water on one side

and the resource base being finite on the other hand, there is an urgent

need for smart water management by all the stakeholders. Operation and

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Maintenance measures have to be nested with legal, policy and

regulatory mechanisms with a self-sustainable Revenue Model as well

as institutional architecture. The O&M policy is a long felt need and

will enhance capacity of sector stakeholders for sustainable operation

and maintenance.

1.4. Vision of the Operation and Maintenance Policy of Water

Supply Schemes.— (a) To provide sustainable water supply of the

citizens with required quantity and assured quality on a regular and long

term basis.

(b) To implement the standard operating procedure for the

processes involved in the operation and maintenance of all components

is Multi Village Scheme (MVS) / Single Village Scheme (SVS).

disaster management for adaptation and mitigation.

(d) To develop capacity building to all the stakeholder's

regarding the O&M of MVS / SVS.

(e) To ensure reduced O&M cost and effective cost recovery

for financial sustainability of the MVS / SVS.

1.5. Mission of the Operation and Maintenance Policy of Water

Supply Schemes.— (a) To ensure sustainable, safe and potable drinking

water supply to the general public through Single Village Schemes/Multi

Village Scheme, the Union territory of Puducherry shall endeavor to test

all the water sources at source and distribution both during pre and post

monsoon seasons to ensure the quality of water supply to the public.

Further, climate resilient Water Supply Schemes shall be designed and

built at vulnerable locations.

(b) Standardization of the process involved in the operation and

maintenance of SVS/MVS by following standard operating procedure to

ensure efficiency and effectiveness of SVS/MVS.

various levels of the Water Supply Departments and monitor its

implementation, arrange Training of Trainers (ToTs), IEC material use,

etc., skill development, training and awareness generation among

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communities, Engineers/Staff and other personnels involving in

O&M of CWSS/SVS. Training and Capacity Building shall be customized

to suit different levels covering various technical, managerial and

leadership aspects. For long-term water security, concerted efforts need

to be made to bring the mindset change to make Engineers as Public

Health Engineers and Utility / Service managers.

(d) One of the essential criteria for hassle free operation and

maintenance of Water Supply Schemes is cost recovery and proper

financing policy. The progressive reduction in O&M cost and effective

cost recovery for financial sustainability of the MVS/SVS will be ensured

and thus, potable water at the required level of supply will be provided

at an affordable water charges. This will increase the financial viability

and sustainability of Local Bodies and Electricity Department.

CHAPTER – II

INSTITUTIONAL SET UP, GOVERNANCE AND

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF WSS

In Public Works Department, Puducherry, is the Nodal Department

to design, implement the Water Supply Scheme in rural areas. After

implementing the Scheme, the system will be handed over to respective

Commune Panchayats for further Operation and Maintenance.

2.1. Public Works Department and Local Bodies.— The Public

Works Department and Local Bodies are responsible for the development

of urban / rural areas respectively in the State and providing water

supply to all the areas of the State.

The Local Bodies are the Nodal Agency for water supply to rural

areas in the State.

Under this, Public Works Department (PWD) is designated for

design and implementation of Water Supply Scheme in a comprehensive

manner and O&M of such Schemes by collecting water charges. In rural

areas, the concerned Local Bodies collect the water charges towards

maintenance of water supply.

2.1.1. Public Works Department, Puducherry: Combined water

supply Schemes covering more than one Local Body are being maintained

by Public Works Department in urban areas /Local Bodies in rural areas.

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Public Works Department/Local Bodies have been functioning

as an engineering body, implementing Water Supply Schemes to provide

safe drinking water to the people in urban and rural areas of Puducherry.

Roles of Public Works Department / Local Administration

Department:

* ^{Planning, designing and implementation of water supply}

Schemes to rural areas in Puducherry region by Public Health

Division, Public Works Department, Puducherry.

* ^{Operation and maintenance by respective Water Supply}

Schemes in Village Panchayat/Commune Panchayat.

* ^{Testing and monitoring the quality of water supplied is done}

by Public Works Department through NABL accredited Labs.

At present, Public Works Department in urban areas/Local Bodies

in rural areas are maintaining Multi Village Scheme/Single Village Scheme,

which is covering 5 Commune Panchayats and 2 Municipalities in

Puducherry region, 5 Commune Panchayat and 1 Municipality in Karaikal

region, and one each Municipality in Mahe and Yanam regions.

Rural habitations and industries/institutions, benefiting a population of

3.95 lakhs. An average of 53 Million Litres per Day (MLD) of water is

supplied through the Over Head Tanks.

Public Works Department is functioning for the four regions to

carry out the design and implementation of Water Supply and Sewerage

Schemes and also the maintenance of combined Water Supply Schemes.

Ground Water Authority is functioning for identification of sources of

water for various Water Supply Scheme. Applications of remote sensing

and Geographic Information System (GIS) Technology and one State level

laboratory at Puducherry and one in Karaikal are functioning at various

levels for testing of chemical and bacteriological parameters in the water

being supplied and appropriate remedial action are taken.

2.2. Public Works Department / Local Bodies, Puducherry.—

The Public Works Department, Puducherry carry out the design and

implement Single Village Schemes (SVS) and Multi Village Scheme

(MVS). These works include the creation of water source, in-village

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infrastructure, construction of Over Head Tanks and distribution.

Provision of Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) is made

by Local Bodies.

In Puducherry, there are 2 Districts, 10 Commune Panchayats,

5 Municipalities, 108 Village Panchayats and Governing 246 rural

villages. The water supply to the rural habitations through tap

connections are effected from the OHTs by Public Works Department

and Local Bodies.

Providing functional household tap connections, maintenance of

existing water supply connections, collection of user charges which are

important water supply functions, carried out by the both Public Works

Department and Local Bodies in rural areas.

2.3. District Administration.— At the District level, headed by

Public Works Department / Local Administration Department to consider

and recommend Administrative Approval of the Village Water Supply

Schemes, plan protection and preservation of village water sources, grey

water management, preventing water bodies / sources from getting

polluted, etc. Further, the Public Works Department will prepare District

Annual Action Plan in consultation with people's representatives such

as Member of Parliament / Member of the Legislative Assemblies.

In each District, all water supply projects in the Districts are

monitored by the Public Works Department / Local Bodies.

CHAPTER – III

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE POLICY STATEMENT OF

SINGLE VILLAGE SCHEME AND MULTI VILLAGE SCHEME

3.1. Single Village Schemes.— A Scheme to provide water supply

to more than one habitation or to cover all the habitations in a village

Panchayat, if, the source is available within the Village Panchayat (VP)

is referred as Single Village Scheme.

The entire O&M of water supply to rural areas inside the Village

Panchayats will be done by Commune Panchayat / Village Panchayat.

Whereas, the common component infrastructure, i.e., up to Sumps / Over

Head Tanks from the Combined Water Supply Schemes will be maintained

by Commune Panchayat and Public Works Department.

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Commune Panchayats / Village Panchayats (Local Bodies) shall

maintain the village infrastructures of Single Village Schemes and Multi

Village Schemes. The village infrastructures consist of source for SVS

(bore-wells), Pumping / feeder main, Over Head Tanks, in village

Distribution networks, control valves, FHTCs., etc.

3.2. Multi Village Scheme (MVS).— Multi Village Scheme are the

comprehensive projects which covers more than one Local Body with

sustainable and reliable sources, like river bed, good aquifer, etc. through

pumping mode of operation. These types of projects contain huge

infrastructures with high capital cost and operating cost. With regard

to common component of MVS O&M will be done by Public Works

Department/Commune Panchayat (CP) whereas, the O&M of in village

infrastructures of Single Village Schemes and multi Village Schemes will

be done by the Commune Panchayats (Local Bodies) concerned.

The objective of an efficient operation and maintenance of a Multi

Village Scheme is to provide designed, safe and clean drinking water,

at adequate pressure at convenient location and as economically as

possible on a sustainable basis.

Operation refers to timely and daily operations of the components

of a Combined Water Supply System such as head works, machinery

and equipment, transmission mains, service OHT and distribution

system, etc., effectively by various technical personnel, which is a

routine function.

Maintenance is defined as the art of keeping the water supply

infrastructures, machinery and equipment and other facilities in an

optimum working condition. Maintenance includes preventive

maintenance or corrective maintenance, repairs and corrective action.

The minimum requirements for good operation and maintenance are–

(a) Preparation of plan for operation and maintenance.

(b) Periodical maintenance of the critical components.

(d) Availability of spares and tools for ensuing maintenance.

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(e) Maintaining records such as the history of equipment, costs,

life, etc.

(f) Regular supervision of the O&M of all the components.

(g) Premises of O&M infrastructures shall be kept neat and tidy.

(h) Establishing a sound financial management system.

The Water Supply Schemes have the following major components:

Head Works

: Source, Pumpset, Pump Room

Treatment Works

: RO Plants

Transmission system

: Pumping main, Branch Main

Collection Mechanism : Sump and OHT

Distribution

: Distribution

main,

Functional

Household Tap Connection (FHTCs).

3.3. Policy Statement for O&M of SVS and MVS.— The Policy on

Operation and Maintenance is intended to serve as a guide to

strengthening the technical, operational and managerial capabilities

required of the concerned personal to operate and maintain water supply

services as per acceptable norms of quantity, quality, sustainability,

reliability and cost.

3.3.1. Sustainable water sources

(i) CP/VP shall ensure the sustainability of the sources of all

SVS being maintained and shall take earnest step to ensure

sustainability of the sources by pooling their resources available

at Village Panchayat level. The Commune Panchayat / Village

Panchayats shall implement rain water harvesting structures in all

community and private buildings to ensure sustainability of the

sources.

(ii) Protection of sources like bore wells, open wells must be

done using suitable fencing arrangement. Similarly, bore pits shall

be fully protected for reducing the source contamination.

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(iii) Public Works Department shall ensure the sustainability of

the sources of all MVS and shall take earnest step to ensure that

necessary quantity of water is being drawn from sources like bore

wells in coordination with the Local Administration Department.

(iv) The yield of individual head works like borewells shall be

monitored by the field Engineer concerned regularly.

(v) Once the yield of the well is drawn down to below 50% of

the required yield, attention shall be given to such head works and

necessary rectification works like flushing of borewells/flushing

of radial arms in Collector wells / cleaning of surface of

porous media in infiltration wells / deepening of open wells or

an alternative arrangements, may be made.

(vi) Necessary Hydrogeological survey shall be conducted for

ascertaining the reason of reduced yield and also to substantiate

the existing head works.

(vii) By providing necessary storage structures such as check

dams, barrages for MVS and artificial rain water recharge structures

at the areas of sources/Head works of SVS. Sustainability of the

source for an uninterrupted and designed quantity of water supply

shall be attained.

3.3.2. Provision of FHTCs The Village Panchayat shall

provide FHTCs to all households. The service connection charges/

deposit and monthly bills will be collected as per G.O. Ms. No. 05, dated

13-02-2017 and G.O. Ms. No. 37/LAS/2017, dated 22-03-2017 vide Gazette

Notification No. 27, dated 04-07-2017.

3.3.3. Quality of Water Supply

(i) Public Works Department / CP / VP draw water from

sustainable sources and after appropriate treatment, supply safe

drinking water by pumping the water up to respective OHTs and

up to FHTCs at Household level.

(ii) Public Works Department / CP / VP shall supply water

complying with the quality standards of BIS10500 specifications.

(iii) The water supplied from the source to FHTCs shall be free

from contamination with necessary disinfection by chlorination.

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(iv) The disinfection shall be done at an appropriate quantity

so as to maintain 0.20 ppm at all the FHTCs.

(v) Complete records of bacteriological and chemical analysis

test report of water from sources to FHTCs, Schools, Anganwadis

and Public institutions should be maintained. Bacteriological and

chemical analysis test shall be done for all the sources during pre

and post monsoon period.

(vi) Preventing external pollution by properly protecting the

ventilators, manhole openings and overflow pipes in water storage

structures, sumps, OHTs, etc., should be monitored.

(vii) Periodical cleaning of reservoirs, sumps / OHTs should be

done atleast once in a month and general cleanliness in and around

the reservoirs, sumps/OHTs should be maintained. Access control

measures shall be established in all storage structures to prevent

access to unauthorized persons.

(viii) Water quality shall be tested through the distributed Field

Test Kits in the Village Panchayats and Village Water and Sanitation

Committee (VWSC) in each Village Panchayat have been trained

to test basic 13 water quality parameters using Field Test Kits and

the details shall be updated in WQMIS for comprehensive

monitoring.

(ix) Regular monitoring of water quality shall be done by

Self Help Groups (SHGs)/VWSC through testing of water samples,

at all water sources, FHTCs, Schools, Anganwadis and Public

institutions using Field Testing Kits and it shall be ensured across

all Panchayats and cases of contamination should be notified in

WQMIS.

(x) In case of quality aspects not meeting established standards,

immediate remedial action shall be taken to enable the beneficiaries

to get potable water supply.

(xi) The cost towards operation and maintenance of Water

Quality laboratories, i.e., chemicals, manpower, reviving the O&M

of equipment's shall be met out from the collection of water

charges for SVS/MVS and collection of user charges from the

Panchayats / collection of water sample testing charges from any

general public / private entity.

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3.3.4. Priority for water use (i) In case of less yield in water

source of a MVS/SVS, the drinking water needs of the people will have

highest priority among competing uses of water.

(ii) Whenever there is reduced yield in the sources/head works

of a SVS/MVS, priority of water supply share shall be given to the

public drinking water.

3.3.5. Disaster risk mitigation and adaption in water supply

system

A. Mitigation measures:–

(i) The exposed cable and connecting main should be fully

covered with sand Proper Anchoring arrangements of

connecting main and Electric cable shall be made.

(ii) Flood protection arrangements should be made around

pump house and sump, so that no flood water enters into

pump room and sumps. Especially, the above flood

protection arrangements should be done in the low lying

areas in which the head works is located.

(iii) Pump sets and other electromechanical items should be in

lifted position to avoid submergence of equipment's in

water.

(iv) It should be ensured that the pipes and jointing materials

required for attending the pipeline damage works during

flood should be immediately arranged in the event of flood

occurs.

(v) During drought, flushing of bore wells, deepening of open

wells, shall be done to augment required water from the

existing head works.

(i) Breakdown of the System For any immediate trouble

shooting in SVS / MVS, the contact number and address of the local

Officer-in-Charge may be published to the people. The contact number

and address have to be updated then and there.

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(ii) Emergency Situation Handling for SVS/MVS

(a) Identify situations or events, locations that could trigger

an emergency condition or disaster and require immediate

action to protect life and property.

(b) Emergency Action Plan : Set out the procedures to be

followed in this connection sequentially to mitigate the

effects of the disaster.

internal (within the Department) and external (between

Department and Public), outside entities.

B. Adaptation measures:–

(i) Ensure the working condition of Diesel Generators and

adequate stock of Diesel for running the Diesel Generators.

(ii) If, Diesel Generators are not available, make necessary

arrangements, for hiring of Diesel Generators. The Vendors

address with their contact number shall be readily available.

(iii) Fill the sumps and OHTs to its maximum capacity whenever

situation warrants in order to combat scarcity because of

power failure.

C. Cleaning and disinfection activities to be carried out during

Disaster:–

(i) Ensure covering of all the Air vents in sumps and OHTs with

mosquito nets to prevent entry and breeding of mosquitoes.

(ii) In case of any contamination of water noted create

awareness among the public not to use the contaminated

water through social media, newspaper, electronic media.

Also, arrange to supply potable water from other sources

until rectification work is completed.

(iii) Ensure adequate quantity of bleaching powder for

disinfection activities. Action should be taken to maintain

the minimum residual chlorine level at tail end.

(iv) Avoid stagnation of waste water at all infrastructures related

to water supply to avoid cross contamination.

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D. Post disaster activities:–

(i) Necessary rectification works for revamping of Head works,

pipelines, storage tanks, sumps, electro mechanical

components, shall be carried out.

(ii) Coordinate with various Departments of State Government

such as, Electricity, Irrigation and Water Resources, Health,

etc., for immediate restoration.

(iii) Contingent plan shall be evolved to face adverse disasters

like drought, floods and other natural calamities.

3.3.6. Recharge Structures - Quality and Quantity of Source

(i) Whenever any Government Department like Water Resource

Department, Agricultural Department and Public Works

Department / Local Administrative Department is planning to

construct any artificial recharge structures / Augmenting water

resource like Micro/Mini/Mega Check Dams / Weirs, Recharge pits,

Rain water harvesting structures, etc., preference shall be given

to the areas which can augment water sources for Head works of

the MVS/SVS and Hydrogeology Wing of Agricultural Department

may be consulted. On saturation of those areas, other areas can

be taken up.

(ii) District recharge plans prepared by CGWB based on

National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM) studies, need to be taken

into account while implementing Artificial Recharge Schemes (ARS).

(iii) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on "Sustainability of

Ground Water Sources" prepared by CGWB, Ministry of Jal-Shakti

(MoJS) is to be followed while implementing the ARS Schemes.

(iv) Drilling of observation wells with Digital Water Level

Recorders (DWLR) (Telemetry) is required around the major ARS

Schemes so that impact assessment can be carried out.

(v) In addition to regular monitoring by Public Works

Department and CP/VP, Impact assessment of ARS Schemes

constructed for source sustainability may be done through water

level and quality monitoring on monthly basis by involving local

people/farmers through participatory approach to create awareness

among the public.

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3.3.7. Infrastructure Maintenance in Water Supply Schemes

(i) All the infrastructures like OHTs, Pipelines, Sumps, etc., are

designed to serve 30 years. Some of the components like Pipelines,

Storage reservoirs, etc., are prone to damage due to various reasons

viz., corrosion, leakages caused during repair works. Revamping

works shall be taken up in the Multi Village Scheme / Single Village

Schemes that has out lived its designed life period in which a

reduction in yield of sources or a decrease in the efficiency of

pump sets and damages in pipe lines, valves, etc., are encountered.

(ii) A detailed record of breakdowns and leaks occurred and

repaired shall be maintained so that more vulnerable leaks could

be identified and special measure to repair / replacement could be

under taken.

(iii) If, any silt content noticed, the bore should be flushed and

the submersible motors erected in bores should be removed,

serviced and re-erected. Problems noticed in the motor should be

analyzed and noted in the logbook for future study.

(iv) Slot portion of all bore wells should be flushed and cleaned

using special type air blower for removal of silt deposit at least

once in two years.

(v) Dry running of the pumps should be avoided.

(vi) Pumps should be operated only within the recommended

Head range and voltage.

(vii) Leak detection surveys should be undertaken particularly

for bursting of pipes and leaky joints, when the difference in

quantity of water produced and water supplied is more than 15%,

i.e., loss of water due to leakage.

(viii) A regular schedule of inspection and servicing of valves

including air valve should be carried out and the same followed

scrupulously.

(ix) In case of MS pipes, anticorrosive painting must be done

at least once in five years for pipes and at least once in two years

for appurtenances such as sluice valve, air valves, etc.

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(x) Devices for measuring the inflows and outflows such as

water level indicators and recorders should be provided and they

should be maintained properly.

(xi) All Dilapidated Overhead tanks / structures shall be

demolished immediately so as to avoid untoward incidents

accidents and new structure shall be constructed without affecting

the regular water supply.

3.4. Quantity Monitoring System and Other components.—

3.4.1. Measuring bulk water supply through metering

(i) Bulk Water Meters shall be installed at appropriate locations

to measure water supplied to beneficiaries, water charges collection

and to assess the Non-Revenue water.

3.4.2. Centralized Monitoring System

(i) Centralized Monitoring system shall be established using

Internet of Things (IoT) for monitoring the water supply.

(ii) With the help of such sophisticated system, proper

monitoring and control over the vast area is achieved and thereby

the service delivery of the Government shall be assured by

providing regulated water supply with required quantity. This will

be useful in ascertaining the quantity of non-revenue water and

increase in efficiency of Schemes.

3.4.3. Damage to water distribution and pumping network

(i) Damages caused to any component of existing water supply

systems such as water mains, distribution pipelines, etc., during

construction activities carried out by any other Departments /

Agencies, they shall be solely liable for restoration of

infrastructure and water supply service, for which the cost shall

be borne by the damage causing institution / party / Department /

contractor.

(ii) Prior permission of the Public Works Department / Local

Administration Department / Commune Panchayat shall be obtained

by the Departments like Highways, Railways, other agencies, etc.,

to carry out their constructional works in the alignment of existing

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water carrying pipeline. Further, they shall shift the existing

pipelines/pay necessary compensation to meet out such shifting

to the water supply Department, so as to ensure the regular water

supply is being made to the public.

(iii) Hence, the Line Department shall include necessary

provisions for utility shifting in their detailed estimates for water

supply pipelines shifting works, if any.

3.4.4. Unauthorized tapping of water

(i) Unauthorized tapping of water and damaging of pipelines of

the MVS/SVS is an offence. In such cases, Official concerned shall

lodge a complaint with the concerned authorities against

unauthorized tapping, damaging of pipelines, illegal connections

and vandalism and take necessary further action.

3.4.5. Resolving issues in the Power supply connections

(i) The uninterrupted power supply is essential for supplying

required quantity of water to the public, whereas, the quality of

power supply is essential for the effective performance and life of

the Electro-Mechanical machineries. Hence, both uninterrupted and

quality power supply shall be ensured in coordination with

Electricity Department on priority basis.

CHAPTER – IV

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF WATER SUPPLY SCHEMES

4.1. Revenue and Expenditure for MVS / SVS.—

Revenue

Expenditure

Repairs and

Renewals

Salary

Power and

regular

maintenance

Water

Charges

Grants

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(i) The operation and maintenance of the Water Supply Scheme

is crucially dependent on the sound financial position and management

by the Public Works Department / Local Administration Department/

Commune Panchayat for MVS / SVS.

(ii) The operation and maintenance Policy places central

importance on proper on maintenance of the capital assets built for MVS

and brings the focus on efficient resource mobilization and

rationalization in O&M expenditures.

(iii) The Policy emphasis on proper design and good

engineering practices for overall optimization in O&M expenditure as

poorly built capital assets leads to high life cycle costs.

4.2. Financial sustainability and Management for MVS / SVS.—

A. Measures to augment Revenue:

(i) The tariff fixed for consumers may be on par with the

production cost and O&M cost. There shall be annual revision

taking into account accumulated liabilities, increase / decrease in

operational expenditure and increase / decrease in power tariff.

(ii) Public Works Department / Commune Panchayat / Village

Panchayat shall endeavor to collect all outstanding water charges

with accumulated interest from all the beneficiaries in a timely

manner.

(iii) CP / VP shall endeavor to collect the current monthly water

charges from all the beneficiaries within 30 days of the succeeding

month.

(iv) CP / VP shall diligently process the request for new water

supply connections from commercial / industrial / institutional

organizations to maximize the revenue without affecting the

existing water supply to the beneficiaries.

(v) CP / VP shall undertake an exercise to identify Schemes

which have crossed intermediate stage to ultimate stage yet the

pump sets are only at intermediate stage which causes sub-optimal

utilization of civil infrastructures created for ultimate stage and also

depriving the general public of assured water supply. Such pump

sets shall be replaced to ultimate stage to improve the service

delivery and augment the revenue.

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B. Measures to optimize Expenditure:

(i) Operating pump sets at optimal efficiency will reduce the

electrical energy cost and will ensure desired quantity of pumping.

CP shall endeavor to audit its pump sets regularly to achieve this

objective.

(ii) Energy audit and water audit will be conducted in the MVS

and SVS at regular intervals.

(iii) Whenever the leak and burst is noticed/ intimated,

immediate action shall be taken (i.e., switch off the pump sets,

controlling the valves in gravity / pumping system), to attend the

leak and burst in conveying mains, without any due delay, thereby

to reduce non-revenue water.

(iv) Functioning of water meters shall be monitored

scrupulously to assess the Non-Revenue Water and also excess/

deficit quantity of water supplied to the beneficiaries.

(v) Proper maintenance of Electro-mechanical components like

Control Panels, Variable Frequency Drives, Power factor controller,

cable joints, Circuit breakers, etc., have huge potential to reduce

O&M cost and CP shall endeavor to achieve the same.

(vi) CP / VP shall endeavor to automate the operation and

maintenance of SVS / MVS and reduce the man power cost and

increase efficiency.

(vii) CP shall endeavor to get exemption from belated payment

surcharges levied by Electricity Department on account of special

nature of service rendered by the Board to ensure financial

viability of the Water Supply Scheme.

(viii) CP / VP shall optimize the expenditure incurred on

personnel by merging similar alignment Schemes together and

increase efficiency.

(ix) CP / VP shall ensure and enforce properly defined,

quantifiable parameters on service delivery by O&M contractors.

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C. Expenditure optimization during design and execution

of MVS:

(i) Locating ridge points during the design stage so as to make

use of gravity as a source of water transmission wherever possible

thereby reducing the power charges.

(ii) Necessary internal lining of pipes shall be done so as to

reduce the frictional loss during water transmission and reduce

non-revenue water.

(iii) Schemes shall be designed in such a manner to have

minimum number of bends and joints to maintain the pressure so

as to ensure last mile service delivery and also to reduce power

charges.

(iv) Adopting star rated energy efficient pump sets, accessories

and other electromechanical equipments at design and execution

shall be ensured.

(v) Renewable energy sources such as Solar, Wind, etc., shall

be adopted wherever feasible to reduce the O&M cost of the Water

Supply Schemes.

(vi) Variable frequency drive shall be installed at feasible

pumping stations for reducing the power charges.

(vii) Necessity of HT and LT connections shall be ascertained

as per the demand at all pumping stations and shall be changed

accordingly to avoid excess power bills.

(viii) Surge protection valves shall be provided at appropriate

location to safe guard the pumping machineries and pipelines so

as to reduce the repair and renewal costs.

4.3. Financial sustainability and management for SVS.—

The Operation and Maintenance of Water Supply System in Panchayat

is responsibility of the Village Panchayat concerned. Further, Village

Panchayat alone is empowered to collect water tax / user charges from

the households. Hence, the Commune Panchayat is the competent body

to maintain the water supply systems in the Village Panchayats.

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[PART–II

A. Sources of funds for Commune Panchayat / Village

Panchayat: Commune Panchayat / Village Panchayat receives funds

from the following sources:

* ^{Programme – specific allocations under Centrally Sponsored}

Schemes.

* ^{Own Source Revenue Generation (tax and non-tax revenue)}

such as user charges collection, etc.

* ^{And others funds.}

B. Summary of income and expenses of Commune

Panchayat: The Commune Panchayat / Village Panchayat Account will

receive funds from various sources such as–

(1) User charges for water supply.

(2) Grants from State and Union Government to meet the

expected expenditure on maintenance of water supply system.

The CP / VP will incur expenses through a resolution passed for

each expenditure towards the O&M works. All expenses will be paid to

the vendors from Single Nodal Account maintained for Village

Panchayat.

C. Financial responsibilities of the Commune Panchayat:

(1) CP/VP shall prepare the budget relating to water and

sanitation for inclusion in the budget of the Commune Panchayat.

(2) CP/VP shall closely monitor the water and sanitation works.

(3) Mobilize and motivate the community to contribute their

participation in the implementation of water supply works in cash/

kind/labour.

(4) Commune Panchayat shall ensure that all taxes, fees and all

payments related to the water and sanitation are credited to the

CP/VP Account.

(5) CP/VP shall make payments related to the O&M of water

and sanitation facilities from funds available.

(6) Commune Panchayat shall collect water fees/ water service

charges as per terms and conditions prescribed by the Government

from time to time in the Bye-Laws.

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(7) Pipeline damage repair plays major part in operation and

maintenance. Small damages could very well be met out by

Panchayats with their funds / grants.

There are 1.14 lakh households (HH) in the rural areas and all

the HHs are covered with FHTCs by Local Administration Department

in rural areas. The Commune Panchayats must ensure that water charges

from the HHs with FHTCs are to be collected promptly every month. On

achieving saturation, the water tax along with other grant, there will be

enough financial viability to meet electricity charges and other

expenditures under O&M of SVS by respective Commune Panchayats.

D. Billing and user charges: The billing and monthly user

charges are needed to recover the cost of distribution of water and

O&M of a Water Supply Scheme. The major objectives to keep a Water

Supply Scheme financially sustainable, which means that the estimated

incomes should be more than the estimated expenditure (such as

operator's salary) and O&M costs. The ultimate objective is to ensure

that the revenues generated from the tariffs are able to fund the asset

replacement as well as provide fund for any preventive maintenance of

the Scheme. Therefore, the objective of the tariff structures for Water

Supply Scheme is to ensure 100% cost recovery.

E. Principles for setting up tariff: The recent tariff for water

is monthly basis. However, the system shall be equipped volumetric tariff

to ensure conservation of quantities of water. The following principles

are followed in fixing rates for various water consumptions labs for the

Water Supply Scheme:

(1) Follow volumetric tariff / fixed tariff.

(2) Take into account revenues from existing connections.

(3) Accumulate additional revenues from the new connections.

(4) Utilize funding for O&M costs, for replacement and

expansion in future.

(5) Undertake assessment of cost of O&M.

(6) Assessment for cost of preventive maintenance (atleast

3-5% of the estimated capital costs).

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(7) Considering affordability of water particularly for the

low-income households.

(8) Review tariffs every three years by Government.

The overall tariff structure is based on the basis of estimating

the total O&M costs and total expenses and matching it with the

projected revenues, based on various tariff options, keeping the

principles of tariff setting into consideration.

F. Present Water Tariff: The Government of Puducherry has

notified the revised new water tariff for the supply of water to various

categories of consumers in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam

regions and for collection of non-refundable one- time security deposit

as detailed in the Annexure (both in English and Tamil) vide Gazette

Notification No. 27, dated 04-07-2017 based on the G.O. Ms. No. 5, dated

13-02-2017 of the Chief Secretariat (Works), Government of Puducherry,

with effect from 01-04-2017 to adopt the same in the Municipalities and

Commune Panchayats, the Local Administration Secretariat, Puducherry

has also issued Order vide G.O. Ms. No. 37/LAS/2017, dated 23-03-2017.

I. WATER TARIFF

Sl.