The general body meeting of the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation on Wednesday witnessed widespread criticism from corporators across party lines over erratic water supply and tanker shortages. Commissioner Dr Rajendra Bharud sought to calm fears, assuring that the city would not face extreme scarcity.
Commissioner's Assurance
"In places like Nandurbar and Jalgaon, water comes once in eight days. Kolhapur will not reach that stage," Bharud stated. He added that water scarcity is being felt across Maharashtra and urged long-term planning. The government has asked cities to prepare for alternate-day supply and focus on conservation measures.
Corporators Blame Poor Planning
Corporators from both Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi blamed poor planning for the crisis affecting 81 wards. They repeatedly questioned officials, particularly water supply engineer Harshjit Ghatge, who had barely two minutes to present his explanation due to continuous queries.
NCP functionary Adil Faras said, "We face public anger daily. Tankers were approved a month ago. Why was no action taken? This is due to poor planning."
Demand for Emergency Measures
Opposition leader Rajesh Latkar demanded invoking the Disaster Management Act to take control of all water sources until rains resume. Shiv Sena's Sharangdhar Deshmukh highlighted the scramble for tankers, stating, "We need 20 tankers per ward. We wait till 2am for water, and fights are breaking out."
Officials Cite River Levels
Officials attributed the shortage to a drop in river levels. Harshjit Ghatge explained that the water level at Shingnapur barrage had fallen below the required 534-meter mark. "Now water has been released from Tulsi and Radhanagari dams. We expect levels to recover by Thursday for pumping," he said. Currently, 10 tankers have been deployed, and options like lifting water from Shivaji University sources are being explored.
Key Decisions Deferred
Amid the row, the civic body deferred key decisions, including a proposed water tariff hike. Multiple committees were formed, including a special panel on water supply. Additionally, a separate drive disconnected 20 major water defaulters' connections in parts of the city.
