Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The Bombay High Court Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Hiten Venegaonkar, on Wednesday, directed that water distribution to citizens under the new water supply scheme should begin after June 12. During the hearing, it was stated that regular water supply would commence in most parts of the city after this date.
Divisional Commissioner and Chairman of the High Power Committee appointed by the High Court, G Sreekanth, informed the court that from June 22 onwards, the gap in the city’s water supply would not exceed three days. The bench also laid down a time-bound schedule for water distribution and testing under the new scheme.
The divisional commissioner participated in the hearing online and submitted the minutes of the meeting held with Amgothu Sri Ranga Naik, Member Secretary of the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP). It was informed that 18 elevated storage reservoirs (ESRs) are ready under the project. It was also stated that, following the West Bengal Assembly elections, workers have started returning, and manpower will be increased accordingly.
On behalf of the municipal corporation, Adv. Sambhaji Tope presented arguments. Senior counsel R N Dhorde appeared for the contractor, while senior counsel Rajendra Deshmukh represented the MJP. Advocate Shambhuraje Deshmukh assisted the court as amicus curiae.
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Testing of water up to the water treatment plant has been completed. Accordingly, the following schedule has been directed:
From May 9 to 12: Bring water from the jackwell to the water treatment plant.
By May 19: Stabilise water at the treatment plant.
From May 21 to 22: Pump water from the treatment plant to the master balancing reservoir (MBR).
From May 22 to June 12: Conduct testing, as 18 ESRs are ready.
After June 12: Supply water from the MBR to the 18 ESRs and begin distribution to citizens.