Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) brought water from Jayakwadi Dam to the water treatment plant (WTP) at Nakshatrawadi on April 14, marking Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti. After successful testing of the pipeline, minor works have continued for the past 15 days, delaying the start of water supply to the city. Even the reverse cleaning of the pipeline from Nakshatrawadi to Jayakwadi has not been completed. A three-hour meeting was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of the Divisional Commissioner, focusing mainly on the pending funds.
Despite a court order directing that water should be supplied to the city by May 1, there is no indication that water will actually be released on tomorrow. According to information gathered by the Lokmat newspaper, several concerning issues have come to light.
Ongoing issues between MJP and contractor
There is reported disagreement between officials of the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) and the GVPR company over minor technical matters, affecting nearly 18 lakh residents of the city. Although successful testing of the pipeline was conducted on April 14, the expected reverse pressurised cleaning of the line from Nakshatrawadi to Jayakwadi has still not been carried out.
Instead, time has been spent on tasks such as tightening and replacing bolts of scour valves and installing air valves. Sources indicate that pipeline cleaning work is expected to begin in the next two to three days.
Impact on water supply
If the new pipeline had been made operational, an additional 60–70 MLD of water could have been supplied to Nakshatrawadi for purification and distribution, which would have enabled citizens to receive water once every three to four days. With temperatures reaching 42–43°C, water demand in the city has increased significantly, leaving residents struggling for supply.
Pending bills and lack of approvals
The MJP member secretary Amgothu Sri Ranga Naik visited the city on Thursday. The divisional commissioner G Sreekanth held a review meeting on water supply in his presence. During the meeting, MJP officials stated that approvals for work done by the GVPR company have not yet been granted. Bills worth Rs 82 crore have been withheld for several months.
Detailed discussions were held on the specific works carried out. The meeting was attended by commissioner of police Pravin Pawar, superintendent of police Vinaykumar Rathod, along with officials from the municipal corporation and MJP.