Bhopal: With the onset of summer, the water bodies across the city are drying up with each passing day leaving denizens restless and anxious. Even as the supply of Kerwa water is started in Kolar area, the residents are far from happy as water crisis continues to loom large in the area.
Water scarcity and irregular water supply have become common phenomena in the area. People who have taken connection decried that water is not being supplied daily, while, there are others who are being forced to depend on private tankers for their daily needs. Most of the residents could be seen filling their buckets from a pipeline passing from Sarwadharam colony.
Manoj Tripathi, a resident of Mandakini colony in Kolar said that water crisis has worsened in Kolar. “I have personally approached the mayor and local MLA seeking regular water supply at a cheaper rate as the water connection in Kerwa is being given at Rs 10000 which everyone anyone cannot afford,” he added. This year when we were asked to take Kerwa water connection, that too at a comparatively higher price, we are still thirsty.
Rajkumar Jain, another resident of the area said that the situation of water supply is as pitiable and people are forced to rely on water tankers. Locals contribute money to call private water tankers even when we were assured that Kerwa water would be supplied in the area at a cheaper rate, he added. This has become a daily affair and for how long this can go, said Jain, adding that there is need of a permanent solution to water crisis.
The Kerwa water connection rate is too high as they are charging Rs 10000 for individual connection, while the rate for bulk connections is much higher. When approached, BMC authorities did not give any concessions to us and so we could not take the connection and are now facing water shortage, he added.
Shruti Dube, a private company employee and a resident of Sarwadharm B Sector said that she and some other families contribute and call water tanker. We have to stand in queue in front of tankers, said Shruti. Society member had approached local MLA seeking reduction in Kerwa water connection rate, however, we are still waiting for a favorable response, she added.
Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) city engineer of water works Avinash Shrivastav when contacted said that the Kerwa water pipeline is being laid down and has started operations in few areas. He also said that water tankers have also been pressed into action to supply water and we will make sure that everyone get adequate water, he added.
