With elections over, Aurangabad citizens ask for resolution in water problem

Aurangabad: The residents of Aurangabad, who are reeling under severe water shortage, want the civic administration to jump into action over the supply of water. The Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had been citing Election Commission’s model code of conduct for delay in hiring of staff and approval of water pipeline project.

During the peak summer days, almost half of the city is being supplied water once in 7 to 8 days. When asked, the water works department of the civic body, it says that once increased, the gap cannot be reduced. “As the water supply infrastructure is old, the frequent shutdowns, technical issues will not allow smooth supply. Therefore, there is no alternative to install new pipeline,” AMC executive engineer said.

For the last 11 years, the proposal of laying a parallel pipeline from Jayakwadi to Nakshtrawadi is pending and the AMC has not achieved any success till date. The delay has increased the suffering of the people.

About a year ago, an activist Rajendra Datey Patil had proposed a solution to the government about the municipal corporation starting a parallel pipeline project. “The proposal said that using the Rs 590 crore from the municipal corporation for water project. Contractors should be hired to lay 2200 mm pipeline from Jayakwadi to Nakshatrawadi (45-50 km). The AMC can raise 8-10 elevated storage reservoirs with an extra addition of Rs 12 crore,” Patil said.

However, the government and the municipal corporation have not considered any solution to overcome the delay in the project.

Meanwhile, Shahar Parivartan Aghadi’s Rahul Ingle said that the people have been suffering from the issue and as an immediate relief; the AMC should reduce water taxes and reduce the tanker costs. “The people who buy tankers are financially weak but pay the most for water. Their problem should be addressed without delay,” Ingle said.

City mayor Nandkumar Ghodele said that a meeting has been called by the chief minister in the first week of June in which experts, MP, MLAs, standing committee chairperson and municipal commissioner will participate. “It is expected that a solution comes out from the meeting,” Ghodele said.

He added that as a temporary relief, Rs 10 crore has been released from Smart City funds to carry out repair and maintenance in the infrastructure as suggested by the expert agency.