Jorgewar wants coal washeries in Chandrapur shut off from water as drought-like spell worsens

MLA Kishor Jorgewar has asked the administration to stop the water supply to every coal washery in Chandrapur district altogether, saying drinking water for citizens must come before anything else as drought-like conditions take hold across the district.

He raised the demand at a meeting held at the Niyojan Bhavan to deal with the shortage. Guardian Minister Prof. Dr Ashok Uike chaired it. Officials went over how much water the district has in store, how it is being supplied and what planning is needed for the months ahead.

Mr Jorgewar said the washeries should stay closed for a while, until the water position improves. He pointed out that other industries have been told to reduce their water use by 30 per cent. Washeries consume water on a very large scale, he argued, so a firm decision on them cannot be put off. He handed the Guardian Minister a written memorandum on the matter.

For Chandrapur city's own supply, he proposed an alternative source: the water collected in the Mana open-cast mine of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL). Under his plan, the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS) would take its industrial water from the Mana mine. In return, an equal quantity from the Erai dam would be handed over to the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation for drinking water.

The memorandum also asks for a joint meeting of the district administration, the municipal corporation, CSTPS and WCL. Mr Jorgewar wants directions issued at that meeting so that the steps needed to reach an agreement, including the memorandum of understanding (MoU) process, can begin.

Looking ahead to the Simhastha Kumbh, he also sought development of the places where rivers meet in the district: Erai-Wardha, Erai-Zarpat and Wardha-Painganga. Devotees should find safe bathing arrangements, permanent ghats, clean surroundings and other basic facilities at these sites, he said. He asked that the works be placed before the next District Planning Committee meeting and that funds be sanctioned for them.

Mr Jorgewar told the meeting that in drought-like conditions the water on hand must be planned carefully, other sources should be tapped and future needs kept in view. The administration, he said, should act without delay so that Chandrapur city receives a lasting, dependable supply. He further suggested that work on building dams, described in one account as barrages, on the rivers of the area be taken up.