Nagpur collector orders 8-month water supply plan for five councils to tackle shortage

The Nagpur district administration has begun preparations to prevent a water shortage in the district. Collector Kumar Ashirwad is holding separate meetings with municipal councils and nagar panchayats to take stock of the situation. On Wednesday, he reviewed five nagar panchayats.

The meeting was held at the District Planning Bhawan. It examined the measures being taken to deal with water scarcity by the councils and panchayats of Yerkheda, Bhiwapur, Mauda, Mahadula and Ramtek. The Collector said a water supply plan should be drawn up for the next eight months and all necessary steps taken immediately. The bodies were asked to draw up an outline of the possible water crisis and decide which work would be taken up first.

He directed that alternative water sources be made available so that no water crisis arises in municipal council and nagar panchayat areas. Closed borewells are to be restarted, wells repaired and pipeline leakages stopped. Emphasis was also laid on completing work on new water supply schemes within the set time.

Kumar Ashirwad told the nagar panchayats plainly that this work should be completed by December 31. Directions were also given to issue notices to contractors who delay work and to take action against them. He asked for work orders to be issued immediately for the annual maintenance and repair of water supply schemes.

The Ramtek municipal council has proposed repairing 32 wells. The Collector said this work should be planned according to need and then started. Directions were also given to take the necessary steps to provide water through the Kamptee municipal council.

In addition, proposals have been sought for the repair of 17 borewells and four wells. If required, private wells will be acquired and action will be taken to build a temporary dam on the river.

The Ramtek municipal council area has been told to restart 20 closed borewells immediately. Directions were also given to seize Tillu pumps. Keeping in view future water needs, the Collector also asked for a proposal to be prepared for new water tanks, if required.