Irregularities in water pipeline laying work in the city led to some vociferous expression of dissent from board members of Ranchi Municipal Corporation during their meeting on Saturday.
“Even the slightest irregularity is intolerable when it comes to water. All problems that we come across originate due to lack of coordination among various functionaries working at different levels of the organisation. These problems can simply be solved by working in harmony. Ward councillors and administrative officials of RMC need to work hand in hand,” said Ranchi MP Ramtahal Choudhary, while addressing the gathered ward councillors at the board meeting.
He added, “Water should not be wasted and those who do should be aptly penalised. The faulty pipelines should be fixed immediately so as to prevent any leakage from. We also need to deepen the dams so as to store more water in preparation for hotter climate.”
Sluggish work progress, absence of proper plans to execute the project and overlooking set norms while laying pipelines, were the gaps in the missing pipeline linking initiative pointed out prominently by ward councillors.
“The process to link the missing pipeline began in October last year and is to be completed by January next year. But at the rate the project is progressing, it doesn’t seem probable that work will be completed within the stipulated timeframe,” said ward-30 ward councillor Om Prakash.
He continued, “As mandated, the pipes are to be laid in 3 feet 3inches deep trenches, but the trenches being dug are only 2 feet. There is no plan as to how will water supply reach higher areas of the city either. On top of it, the ends of the pipeline are being closed with rocks instead of installing end caps.”
In reply to this, RMC officials informed that out of the 36 kilometres pipeline that is to be laid down, work on 22 kilometres is already complete and rest 14 kilometres will be completed soon. They assured that water supply will reach within the stipulated time frame to all those who applied for it.
“Continuous monitoring is imperative to ensure that rules are followed while executing the project. Regarding supplying water to higher-lying areas of the city, field visit to determine alternate routes for pipeline,” said Mayor Asha lakra.
“Water can be pumped through pipelines so that water reaches every section of the city. Channelling is crucial if we wish to supply water to one and all,” said Deputy Mayor Sanjev Vijatwargia.
“Surveys conducted in the past and recent times should be taken together to get a better knowledge of the situation. The situation will not change overnight, but we will have to keep our efforts going,” said Choudhary.