The Tribune: Ludhiana: Tuesday, 9th June 2026.
56,681 consumers listed as defaulters; residents seek transparency in recovery process as data from other civic zones remains awaited
An RTI application filed
by city resident Rohit Sabharwal has revealed that water and sewerage dues
worth more than Rs 87 crore are pending in the Municipal Corporation’s Zone D,
raising questions over the civic body’s recovery mechanism and financial management.
The applicants had sought information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act regarding outstanding water-sewer charges in all four civic zones A, B, C and D for the past five years.
However, the MC has so far provided details only for Zone D.
According to the information furnished by the civic body, as many as 56,681 consumers in Zone D were listed as defaulters as of June 2, 2026. The total outstanding amount pending against these consumers stands at Rs 87.44 crore.
The figures have assumed significance as the MC has frequently cited financial constraints and shortage of funds while discussing civic works and other expenditure, including employee-related liabilities.
Sabharwal said the information highlighted the need for greater transparency regarding the recovery of public dues. He questioned how such a large amount could remain pending for years and whether adequate efforts had been made to recover it.
City resident Arvind Sharma said the figures warranted a detailed review of the corporation’s recovery system. “If such a huge amount remains unrecovered despite repeated claims of financial stress, the authorities should disclose what action has been taken against chronic defaulters and why the arrears continue to mount,” he said.
The residents pointed out that the information currently pertains only to Zone D and that data relating to Zones A, B and C is still awaited. They said the overall outstanding amount across the city could be significantly higher once details from all zones are made available.
56,681 consumers listed as defaulters; residents seek transparency in recovery process as data from other civic zones remains awaited
The applicants had sought information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act regarding outstanding water-sewer charges in all four civic zones A, B, C and D for the past five years.
However, the MC has so far provided details only for Zone D.
According to the information furnished by the civic body, as many as 56,681 consumers in Zone D were listed as defaulters as of June 2, 2026. The total outstanding amount pending against these consumers stands at Rs 87.44 crore.
The figures have assumed significance as the MC has frequently cited financial constraints and shortage of funds while discussing civic works and other expenditure, including employee-related liabilities.
Sabharwal said the information highlighted the need for greater transparency regarding the recovery of public dues. He questioned how such a large amount could remain pending for years and whether adequate efforts had been made to recover it.
City resident Arvind Sharma said the figures warranted a detailed review of the corporation’s recovery system. “If such a huge amount remains unrecovered despite repeated claims of financial stress, the authorities should disclose what action has been taken against chronic defaulters and why the arrears continue to mount,” he said.
The residents pointed out that the information currently pertains only to Zone D and that data relating to Zones A, B and C is still awaited. They said the overall outstanding amount across the city could be significantly higher once details from all zones are made available.
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