Several ward councilors including the city residents have protested against the move being under taken by the civic body in the name of beautification and restoration of ponds in Ranchi. The RMC is pumping out the pond water which fears to cause severe water scarcity in coming days at certain localities.
Notably, the civic body is draining out the stored water to beautify three major ponds despite of the fact that in every summer Ranchi battles water shortage. The RMC has also selected a pond near Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) to carry out the beautification task smoothly.
“The State government is digging up ‘Dobha’ to restore rainwater and is also promoting water harvesting on a wider perspective among the civilians but on contrary the civic body is drying up the ponds that will affect groundwater level,” Mahesh Gupta, a resident of Bariatu.
The proposal of the civic body is to cost Rs 3.35 crore coming on the beautification of the selected water bodies few months back. Steps like fencing, making pathways and decking up lights are some of the features that will be covered under the beautification plan and can be carried out only when the existing water level is comparatively very less than the normal days
“Drying up the pond could create severe water shortage in summer in the adjoining localities. Ponds within the urban periphery are the major source of groundwater recharge. The project should have been taken up in summer season when the water level is very low and it could be easier for laborers as well to take up the work,” said ward councilor Surendra Ram Nayak.
On contrary, looking at the deadline, officials of the civic body have already started the work at RIMS Pond. “All work at RIMS Pond must be completed by March 31. We cannot hold the work for long. If people are protesting over it, we cannot help. After rigorous planning, the work has been initiated. We have purchased 40 tankers, 20 small vehicles this year to meet the demand of water supply. Through tankers water will be supplied at places where there is acute shortage of water,” added Deputy Mayor Sanjeev Vijayawargia.