Despite claims to the contrary by the water works department and assurances by mayor Maya Iwnate, most localities in east, north and
south Nagpur are still facing a severe water crisis, with a few localities receiving water on alternate days only. The administration had promised there would be no water crisis, and citizens will receive at least one hour water supply regularly till June 15.
Residents from west and other parts of city are also complaining about low pressure and insufficient water supply.
Opposition corporators, led by senior NCP leader Vedprakash Arya, Manoj Sable, Mohammad Kamil Ansari, Ashok Katle, Devendra Waghmare and Rajesh Mate met deputy municipal commissioner Ajay Ramteke on Monday and handed over a memorandum demanding regular water supply to all areas. Talking to TOI, corporators from north and east Nagpur alleged that despite several assurances residents were receiving irregular and contaminated water supply, that too on alternate days.
Corporators from west, south and central Nagpur, where water is being supplied regularly, are complaining of low pressure and insufficient water supply.
Recently, the mayor had assured NMC will ensure atleast one hour regular water supply during summer. She had said, "NMC will start supplying atleast 535 MLD water as against the demand of 540 MLD in the next few days across the city."
Many corporators threatened to launch Gandhigiri' style protests if all areas do not receive regular water supply within the next two days. They plan to offer mineral water bottles to the mayor, deputy mayor, ruling party leaders and all senior officials of NMC. All opposition corporators have planned a meeting on Tuesday to discuss a dharna agitation.
"Many areas like Gaddigodam, Nehru Nagar, Mohan Nagar, Khalasi line etc are receiving water after every three days and that too with low pressure," NCP corporator, Vedprakash Arya alleged.
Meanwhile, Jogi Nagar's corporator Nanda Zodape alongwith over 100 women supporters thronged the water works department headquarters at Dharampeth and resorted to Matka Phod' agitation for an hour, demanding regular water supply.
Zodape said, "Since last few days residents in Jogi Nagar areas have not received a single drop of water, due to poor water distribution network. The water supplied through tankers is also not enough, and the little water residents receive through the NMC pipeline is contaminated."
Meanwhile, sources informed state president of Bhartiya Janata Party Nitin Gadkari held a meeting with NMC officials and office bearers and asked them to streamline water supply to all parts of the city.