Despite claims by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s water works department that 527 MLD water is being supplied to the city (as against a
requirement of 540 MLD), residents of east and north Nagpur are facing severe water shortage. Some localities in south Nagpur too are receiving water on alternate days only, and the little water they receive is often contaminated.
Corporator from these water-starved areas allege that NMC has been giving step-motherly treatment to residents of these localities. “When localities in west Nagpur, central Nagpur and south Nagpur can get regular water supply, why do localities in east Nagpur get water supply only on alternate days?’’ they question.
The city draws water mainly from Gorewada dam and Kanhan river. Certain parts in north, east and south Nagpur do not receive adequate supply because of constraints in the distribution network, a senior water works (WWD) official said.
Shashikant Hastak, executive engineer WWD, said NMC is supplying 527 MLD water from Pench, Gorewada dam and Kanhan river. Pench-I project supplies 135 MLD, Pench-II around 135 MLD while Pench-III, commissioned in 2004, supplies 118 MLD. Besides, 124 MLD comes from the Kanhan pumping station while the remaining 16 MLD comes from old Gorewada dam pumping station.
Hastak said, “We have augmented the city’s water supply recently. However, with the growing number of layouts in east and north Nagpur, it is becoming difficult to set up new distribution channels. We are trying our best.”
Meanwhile, NMC has chalked out a special plan to tackle water problem particularly in the two summer months of May and June. This is important to tide over the grim water situation in all medium and major reservoirs in the region, including Pench and Kanhan, following inadequate rainfall last year.
The civic body has decided to launch a ‘save water campaign’ with some water scarcity relief measures. NMC will also appoint ‘Jal Mitras’ for the purpose. The 80 ‘Jal Mitra’ will help crack down on water (tullu) pumps and illegal water connections, streamline water tanker operations, increase use of well water and limit water supply during the night, Hastak added.
He promised stern action against consumers found pumping water using tullu pumps. Not only will the pumps be seized, but the offender’s water connection will also be disconnected immediately, Hastak warned.