Jugsalai to Install Water Meters to Combat Theft and Wastage

Jamshedpur: The Jugsalai Municipal Council is accelerating the installation of water meters across all residential households to streamline the local water supply system. Following the “Jusco Model,” residents will now pay for water based on their actual consumption. A private agency is currently executing the project across all 22 wards, with approximately 70% of households already covered.

New Costs Starting This April

While the Municipal Council initially provided meters free of charge, the policy has changed. Under the new rules, consumers must now bear the cost of the meter themselves.

The Council plans to launch an intensive installation drive starting in April. Once the system goes live, officials estimate that households will face an additional monthly financial burden of approximately ₹100 to ₹150. Despite some local opposition, the administration remains committed to making meters mandatory for every connection.

Stopping Water Theft and Wastage

The primary goal of the metering system is to curb the reckless wastage of water and collect accurate consumption data. To support this, the administration is conducting a door-to-door survey to:

• Identify and regularize illegal water connections.

• Detect instances of water theft more easily.

• Monitor real-time usage to prevent dry spells in the network.

Model for the Future

The success of the Jugsalai model is already influencing neighboring areas. Inspired by this initiative, the Mango Municipal Corporation (MMC) is now drafting a similar blueprint to install water meters in every home within its jurisdiction.