MJP proposes transferring of 'incomplete' 900-mm pipeline project

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

To provide the city with an additional water supply scheme until the new water supply scheme project is completed, the government spent a substantial Rs 200 crore to urgently lay a 900mm diameter water pipeline. Despite the passing of years, this pipeline has failed to deliver the promised additional 75 MLD of water. While the project is still incomplete, Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) has insisted on transferring the project to the municipal corporation.

The work on the new water supply scheme worth Rs 2,740 crore is underway. Due to delays in completing the project, in 2022, the then Chief Minister approved the urgent laying of a 900mm diameter water pipeline from Jayakwadi to Pharola. To expedite the work, MJP appointed different contractors for the 40 km stretch of the pipeline. As part of this plan, a new water treatment plant with a 26 MLD capacity is also being set up at Pharola. The pipeline was laid last year, and in April 2024, the water pipeline was started with a small pump, without any hydraulic testing. As a result, the city is receiving only 10 to 12 MLD of water instead of the promised 75 MLD, which MJP had initially claimed would be supplied.

18 lakh citizens in distress

Even though summer has begun, the work on the Pharola water treatment plant has not been completed. There is no guarantee that it will be ready this summer. Due to the operation of a small water plant, the entire city is facing water scarcity. Once this plant is operational, the city will only receive water every alternate day.

MJP officials in a hurry

MJP officials completed the work of laying the 900mm diameter water pipeline but did not finish the work on the water treatment plant. While the plant’s work remains incomplete, MJP officials sent a unilateral report to the municipal corporation, urging them to take over the project.

What’s the hurry for the officials?

The quality of the water pipeline has not been tested either. Recently, there was a major crack in the pipeline, and the hydraulic testing has still not been conducted.

While the work on the water treatment plant remains incomplete, MJP officials sent a unilateral report to the municipal corporation, urging to take over the project. What is the reason for the urgency of the officials?

Complete the Work First

CSMC Executive Engineer, K M Phalak said, “The water pipeline laid by MJP is incomplete. The work on the water treatment plant is still pending. Therefore, the question of transferring the project to the municipal corporation does not arise. The MJP should first complete the project and successfully operate it for a few months. Only after that should the transfer be considered.”