Chandrapur MLA Jorgewar inspects Erai dam, asks officials to conserve water amid drought-like conditions

Amid drought-like conditions in Chandrapur, MLA Kishor Jorgewar visited the Erai dam to review its water stock and future plans. District Collector Vasumana Pant was with him, and the two inspected the dam together.

Jorgewar told the administration that every drop of water must be used carefully during a drought. He said water should be planned in fine detail after estimating the needs of the coming days, and that water must not be wasted under any circumstances. He also asked the administration to ensure that water reaches the last settlement and the last citizen.

Municipal Commissioner Naresh Akunari, Chief Engineer of the Chandrapur Thermal Power Station Anil Kathoye, Sub-Divisional Officer Vishal Kumar Meshram, Municipal Deputy Commissioner Sheshrao Tale, Tehsildar Vijay Pawar, District Disaster Management Officer Salim Shaikh, Chandrapur Irrigation Department Executive Engineers Jalesh Singh and Mahesh Gavari, and Municipal City Engineer Ravindra Hazare were among the officials present. BJP former city president and corporator Subhash Kasangottuwar, BJP national executive member Prakash Devtale, BJP general secretary Namdev Dahule, Ravindra Gurnule, Manoj Pal, party leader in the house Shekhar Shetty, Jitesh Kulmethe, Balram Dodani, Tushar Som, Dashrath Singh Thakur, Amol Shende, Pralay Mhashakhetri and Praveen Gilbile were among the party workers present.

The meeting discussed in detail how much water the dam holds now, how much more can be obtained, how much will be needed ahead and how it will be distributed. Jorgewar said the administration should prepare a clear estimate of how many days the current stock will last and how much water each sector needs, and fix supply accordingly. He also said no area should face injustice in water supply.

Jorgewar said the district cannot depend on dam water alone. Natural water sources exist in many places but have dried up for lack of upkeep and conservation. He asked that such sources be identified and revived, and that effective measures be taken to increase stock by holding back water from rivers, streams and small watercourses.

He asked for a survey of places across the district where check dams can be built, and for plans to be drawn up. Where possible, holding back runoff rain water should be the first priority. This would help raise groundwater levels and ease future shortages. He also said leaks in water supply pipelines should be found and repaired immediately, to cut losses and let more water reach people.

According to Jorgewar, both power generation from the Erai dam and the drinking water needs of people are important. A plan should therefore balance drinking water needs without disrupting power generation, and the departments concerned should coordinate and decide together. He said regular and full water supply must reach settlements at the far end.

The MLA said the water question could become more serious in a drought, so the administration should take the necessary precautions now. Along with immediate arrangements, long-term work that increases water availability should be speeded up. He said one action plan should combine holding back water, conservation, reviving water sources and fixing flaws in the supply system. Jorgewar said all departments should work together so that people in the district do not face water scarcity.