Action demanded against MJP, NHAI Officials

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

A lack of coordination between the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has stalled two major projects the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to Paithan highway and the Rs 2,740 crore city water supply scheme. Raising this issue in the state assembly, MLA Vilas Bhumare demanded action against officials from both agencies.

"There is no clarity on when the new water supply scheme will provide water to the city, and the Paithan highway project has also come to a halt," Bhumare said. He pointed out that a 34-km-long water pipeline has been compressed beneath the road, posing a risk of damage due to heavy traffic. “If the pipeline bursts in the future, how will the city get water?” he questioned. He further criticized authorities for failing to address these issues while preparing the project’s DPR, despite the massive funds involved. He accused officials of negligence, stating that their irresponsibility was causing delays in providing water to the residents.

Project completion by December 2026

Responding to Bhumare’s concerns, Industries Minister Uday Samant assured that the city’s water supply scheme will be fully operational by December 2026, with initial trials set to begin by April. He acknowledged that a 2,500 mm water pipeline had been compressed under the road and confirmed that a meeting on the issue had been held with the Chief Minister. Samant added that while the city currently receives 90 MLD of water for 1.8 million residents, the requirement stands at 200 MLD. He assured that by April, the demand would be met. "The project is being executed under judicial supervision, and a joint meeting between MJP and NHAI will be held to present the facts before MLA Bhumare," he stated.