Qatar's drive to keep pace with the global initiative on conservation and sustainable development received a fillip on Monday when the authorities resolved to crack down on people who indiscriminately consume water and electricity. The Advisory Council has unanimously agreed on imposing huge fines on consumers who use these utilities irrationally in a bid to save water and electricity. The meeting presided over by the Council's Speaker Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Kholeifi at the White Palace discussed the Services and Public Utilities Committee's report on a draft law to rationalise water and electricity. As per the amendments agreed upon, residents are banned from using potable water to wash cars and a fine of QR10,000 would be imposed if the rule is violated. If the offense is repeated within three year's time the offender could face the grim prospect of paying double the fine. The draft also banned external lighting of houses from 7am to 4:30pm. Further, the Council reviewed a draft law amending some provisions of Law No. 23 of 2005 setting the organisational chart and specifying the functions of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture. The Council decided to refer its recommendations on the draft law to the Cabinet. Potable water is precious since natural supply is limited globally. If every consumer shows discretion while using water and electricity then the Green Movement would have won half its battle to save the Earth. The Pen

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