Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The Command Area Development Authority (Cada), under the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar circle office, has recovered Rs 200 crore so far this year in water charges for non-irrigation usage supplied from various dams, including the Jayakwadi project. This is the highest recovery recorded to date. Of this, the largest share Rs 99.98 crore has been paid by the Parli Thermal Power Station, according to sources.
The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Cada office functions under the Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation (GMIDC). It is responsible for water management and maintenance of dams. Water for irrigation to farmers, as well as supply to public water schemes, is provided with the office’s approval. The Jayakwadi project, the largest in Marathwada, is extensively used for both irrigation and non-irrigation purposes. Water is also supplied to industrial areas such as MIDC, and to cities including Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Ambad, and Paithan. Local governing bodies in these areas are billed for water usage by the Department of Irrigation.
Further recovery expected by March 31
Cada office had been assigned a target of Rs 88 crore for water charge recovery this year by the higher authorities. Under the guidance of superintending engineer Bharat Shingade and executive engineer of Jayakwadi, Prashant Sant, notices were issued to water users and institutions. Officials were also instructed to follow up personally. These efforts have yielded positive results, with recovery reaching Rs 200 crore so far, two-and-a-half times, the target. Officials indicate that the total is likely to increase further by March 31.
Box
₹500 crore dues from Parli Thermal Power
The Parli Thermal Power Station in Beed district had outstanding water dues of approximately Rs 500 crore. It was warned that its water supply would be cut off if payment was not made immediately. Following this, the station deposited Rs 99.98 crore with Cada two days ago.
Meeting with municipal corporation soon
The Jayakwadi project office has issued a bill of Rs 64.97 crore to the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC), including outstanding dues. Besides, the corporation has installed a new jackwell in the Jayakwadi project, for which a separate demand of Rs 201.13 crore has been raised. A notice warning of water supply disconnection was issued over non-payment. In response, the municipal corporation has stated that a meeting will be convened soon to take a decision on the matter.