“The area falls under our purview so why should we transfer funds to the Water Supply and Sanitation department. If there is a demand for a new tubewell, we will give funds to the Sewerage Board to get a new tubewell installed,” Ghuman said. He added that he has to check the records to ascertain as to when the payment came in as he was not posted in Ludhiana at that time. The communication from the state government, however, confirms that the payment has been made to the civic body. Authorities of Water Supply department, however, expressed surprise at the MC Commissioner’s claim and maintained that they have been responsible for the maintenance of the tubewell and industrial sheds in the area.

Meanwhile, several industrialists have installed submersibles inside their units so as to cater to the needs of the workers. They also said they were planning to meet the Ghuman and Superintending Engineer of the Water Supply and Sanitation department to sort out the confusion of jurisdiction.