Jorgewar seeks full water cut to Chandrapur coal washeries as drought bites

Drought-like conditions persist in Chandrapur district. To tackle the water shortage, an important meeting was held at the Niyojan Bhavan, chaired by Guardian Minister Prof. Dr Ashok Uike. It discussed the district's water stock, water supply and the future water plan.

At the meeting, MLA Kishor Jorgewar demanded that citizens' drinking water be given top priority. He suggested several measures. According to him, the water supply to all coal washeries in the district should be cut off completely, and these units should be kept temporarily shut until the water situation improves.

Jorgewar said other industries are being directed to cut water use by 30 per cent. In such a situation, a tough decision is necessary on coal washeries, which use a very large amount of water. He also submitted a written representation to the Guardian Minister on the matter.

Jorgewar made a new suggestion to resolve the water problem of Chandrapur city. He said water from the Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) Mana open-cast mine should be used as an alternative source. His demand is that CSTPS draw Mana mine water for industrial use and, in exchange, an equal quantity of water from the Erai dam be given to the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation for the city's drinking water supply.

In the representation he also wrote that a joint meeting of the district administration, the municipal corporation, CSTPS and WCL be called, and that directions be issued to carry out the necessary memorandum of understanding (MoU) process.

Jorgewar also demanded development of the river confluence sites in the district in view of the coming Simhastha Kumbh festival. The confluences are Erai-Wardha, Erai-Zarpat and Wardha-Penganga. He said safe bathing arrangements for devotees, permanent ghats, cleanliness and necessary basic facilities should be created there.

He demanded that these development works be included in the coming meeting of the District Planning Committee and that funds be provided for them. Jorgewar told the meeting that, given the drought, the administration should immediately act on the effective use of available water, use of alternative water sources and future needs, so that Chandrapur city gets a sustainable water supply. He also suggested taking up the construction of barrages on the rivers.