Thousands in Water Bills Sent Without Connections in Lucknow; Women Protest Against Municipal Negligence

Lucknow: Residents of Dariyapur Labour Colony in Rajajipuram, Lucknow, have been hit by the municipal water department’s alleged negligence, receiving water bills worth thousands of rupees despite having no water connections.

Reports indicate that bills ranging from ₹16,000 to ₹25,000 were sent to households in the colony, causing severe distress among residents, particularly women.

Many women in the colony manage household expenses by doing chores such as sweeping and mopping, making it nearly impossible for them to pay such inflated bills. Rashmi, a resident, said, “I have never had a water connection at my house, yet I received a bill for ₹16,000.” Another resident, Anjali, reported that a bill of ₹22,400 was issued in her name, even though there is no water supply to her home.

Adding to the distress, 90-year-old Vishwa shared that despite having no earning members at home, a bill of ₹20,500 was sent to her residence. Residents allege that issuing bills without connections amounts to harassment.

On Friday, women from the colony staged a protest at the Lucknow Municipal Corporation headquarters, demanding accountability from the water department. They claimed that no responsible officials were available to hear their grievances. The protestors warned that if the bills were not canceled, they would be forced to organize sit-ins and larger demonstrations. They plan to return on Saturday to continue their protest.

Residents have demanded the immediate cancellation of all water bills issued without connections and strict action against officials responsible for this negligence. They warned that if their grievances are not addressed promptly, the agitation would intensify.