BJP Ramps Up Pressure on L&T Over Belagavi's Delayed Water Supply Project
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which governs the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC), has significantly intensified its pressure on Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the implementing agency for the city's critical 24x7 water supply project, due to prolonged and concerning delays in execution. This escalation comes amid growing frustration over the slow pace of work, which has impacted civic infrastructure and public convenience.
Protests and Demands for Legal Action
Recently, BJP corporators, spearheaded by Belagavi South MLA Abhay Patil, staged a vigorous protest outside the L&T office, issuing a clear warning that further delays in key civic projects would not be tolerated. Despite repeated agitations and public outcry, there has been minimal visible progress, prompting the party to push for stricter legal measures against the company.
MLA Patil has urged the government to move beyond mere monetary penalties and consider more severe actions, such as reviewing the contract or initiating legal proceedings if the work pace does not show immediate improvement. He emphasized that the current situation is unacceptable and requires decisive intervention.
Financial Penalties and Unpaid Dues
The BCC had initially imposed a penalty of Rs 21.4 crore on L&T in September 2023 due to delays. Citing continued sluggish progress, the state government later enhanced this penalty to a substantial Rs 50 crore. To date, L&T has deposited Rs 30 crore, but a significant amount of Rs 20 crore remains unpaid, adding to the financial and operational tensions.
Issues with Execution and Public Inconvenience
MLA Patil also highlighted severe issues with the project's execution, pointing out that several major roads dug up for pipeline installation have not been properly restored. This negligence has resulted in hazardous potholes, excessive dust, and persistent traffic congestion, causing daily inconvenience to residents. He demanded immediate steps to recover the pending penalty and expedite the project, which has been a recurring topic in BCC meetings and state assembly discussions.
Project Timeline and Current Status
The ambitious 24x7 water supply project was awarded in 2021 with the goal of providing round-the-clock water to all 58 wards by June 2025. However, due to persistent delays, the deadline has been extended by 15 months to March 2027. Despite this extension, concerns are mounting over the current pace of work, which many fear may not meet even the revised timeline.
So far, only 14 wards have access to a 24/7 water supply. This includes 10 wards that were covered under a pilot project implemented by the corporation before L&T took over, indicating that a substantial portion of the work remains incomplete. Under the agreement, L&T is also responsible for operating and maintaining the system for 12 years after completion, adding long-term implications to the current delays.
The situation underscores a critical challenge in urban infrastructure development, with political pressure mounting as residents await reliable water services. The BJP's firm stance signals a potential shift towards more aggressive oversight of public-private partnerships in civic projects.
