MP introduces new panchayat water rules:Fine for bathing livestock or washing vehicles with drinking water; repeat violators to lose connection

Misusing tap water supplied under Gram Panchayat schemes in Madhya Pradesh will now attract a fine of ₹100 to ₹500. Those found bathing cattle, washing vehicles, using drinking water for farming, or drawing water directly by attaching a motor (Tullu pump) to taps will face penalties. Repeat offenders will also have their tap connections disconnected. The provisions are part of the Madhya Pradesh Panchayat Rural Tap Water Scheme Operation, Maintenance and Management Rules, 2026, notified by the state government. The new rules replace the 2020 Gram Panchayat Rural Water Supply Scheme Implementation and Management Rules. Water tax to be paid every month Under the new rules, domestic tap connection holders in rural areas will have to pay water tax ranging from ₹100 to ₹120 every month. For new domestic, commercial, and industrial connections, a fee ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 has been fixed. To streamline water tax collection, the government has also made provisions to outsource it on contract. By the 10th of every month, after collecting the water tax, its details will have to be uploaded on the Panchayat portal. If tax not paid, fine will be imposed, connection may be disconnected after 3 months Under the new rules, the water committee of the Gram Panchayat has been given the right to collect water tax and take action against those who break the rules. If a consumer does not pay the water tax on time, a fine of 5 to 10 percent of the outstanding amount can be imposed on them. If necessary, the water committee can also reduce or completely waive this fine. If a consumer does not pay the water tax for three consecutive months, the Gram Panchayat can disconnect their water tap connection from the next month. Additionally, the water committee has also been given the right to waive water tax for the extremely poor, disabled, widows, and abandoned women. Cost of tap water scheme to be covered by several sources Under the new rules, Gram Panchayats will annually allocate a budget in their Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) for the expansion of tap water schemes, conservation and maintenance of water sources, and management of wastewater. The existing bank account of the Gram Panchayat will be used for the operation of the tap water scheme. Electricity bills, pump operation, pipeline repair, maintenance, and other necessary expenses will be paid from this account. For this, the Panchayat will be able to use funds received from the Central and State Finance Commissions, funds from various government schemes, the Gram Panchayat’s own income, water tax, new tap connection fees, public cooperation, and amounts received from fines. These rules were stated for new connections Regarding the system established for providing new connections, it has been stated that new domestic water tap connection pipes should not exceed 15 mm in diameter, public institution tap connection pipes should not exceed 20 mm in diameter, and commercial and industrial tap connection pipes should not exceed 25 mm in diameter.