Aurangabad, May 3:
Former director of Marathwada Statutory Development Board and water expert Shankarrao Nagare today claimed that it is possible to supply water to the city on alternate days, through proper management of water distribution system, till the completion of new water supply scheme.
The absence of will power in Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to resolve the issue is pushing the citizens to suffer. The water is supplied on gaps of 4 days to one week, however, no effort is made by the AMC to improve the situation and this is very curious, stressed the water expert.
Nagare said, " Aurangabad is included in the list of Smart cities. Hence there is no wrong if the citizens hope for receiving an adequate quantity of water supply in their taps. Pune is popularly known for spending water more than its demand or need (more than one and half times). However, the local municipal corporation and public representatives took interest in it and recoup the situation. The Jayakwadi Dam is close to Aurangabad, but in 365 days, citizens grieved of getting water for 55 to 60 days. Above all, the water tax of Rs 4,050 is also being collected."
" Presently, the city is receiving 120 MLD water from the dam. The population of the city is 16 lakh. As per norms, 135 litres of drinking water per person per day is to be supplied. It means the demand for water in the city is 216 MLD. Hence, the AMC could lift 108 MLD water and supply it on an alternate day basis to the city. It is not impossible, but the AMC will have to focus on the planning of water supply made through its elevated storage reservoirs (ESRs)," stressed Nagare.