Akola: Thousands of litres of potable water went down the drain after a major pipeline burst, pointing to alleged negligence by municipal authorities that has aggravated the water crisis in Akola.
As per information, the incident occurred at a site where a culvert is being constructed over a drain. During excavation work, the pipeline was accidentally damaged. Local residents Abhay Shastri and Bharat Patil claimed they had alerted the Akola Municipal Corporation's water department and ward representatives, including corporator Vijay Agrawal, about the issue two days prior to the scheduled water supply.
They alleged that despite the advance warning, no timely repairs were carried out. "As a result, on the day of water supply, large quantities of water continued to leak into the drain, severely affecting distribution across several areas," they said.
Residents complained that after waiting for nearly eight days for water supply, many households either received muddy, foul-smelling water or no supply at all due to insufficient pressure in the pipeline. The leakage further disrupted the flow, preventing adequate water from reaching several localities.
The situation has now forced many residents to depend on private water tankers for drinking water, adding to their financial burden. "We had informed the authorities in advance, but no action was taken. Now we are left with no option but to buy water," said a local resident.
Akola Municipal Corporation's water board official Amol Doiphode told TOI, "We have shut the valve to stop the leakage. Repair work will be undertaken at the earliest, and efforts are being made to restore normal water supply soon." The crisis is further compounded by the dwindling water levels at the Katepurna dam, which currently stands at around 23% of its capacity. If the monsoon is delayed, it will increase concerns of the residents.
Citizens have demanded strict action against the contractor and officials concerned, urging the civic body to expedite repairs and ensure clean and regular water supply, failing which they have warned of launching an agitation.
