Indore, Oct 15 Several measures were announced on Thursday to overcome the water crisis in Indore, the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh, including supply through tankers under a GPS-based monitoring system and priority repair of tubewells, officials said.
Indore district recorded 633.1 mm rain from June 1 to September 30, which is 27 per cent less than the normal monsoon rain of 868.1 mm, they pointed out.
Indore city depends primarily on Narmada river for its drinking water needs. Municipal pipelines bring Narmada water from Jalud in Khargone district, about 80 km away, to Indore. However, 30 per cent of the city, with a population of approximately 35 lakh, currently lacks Narmada pipelines, officials pointed out.
“People are complaining that water supply from tubewells is decreasing day by day. Instructions have been given to immediately repair tubewells that have dried up or are damaged, and to increase the depth of the pipes as per requirement,” state Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya told reporters after a review meeting.
“No decision has yet been taken regarding imposing a ban on digging new tubewells or giving new water connections in the city. As per legal provisions, the district administration can acquire private tubewells in an emergency situation. If people of any area are facing a water crisis and someone is found selling water from a private tubewell, such tubewell will be confiscated,” he added.
Asked about Indore Municipal Corporation’s demand for a relief package of Rs 50 crore from the state government to deal with the impending water crisis, Vijayvargiya said if the city requires Rs 100 crore for this purpose, even that amount will be provided.
Vijayvargiya stressed the need to take measures to prevent water wastage in citizens’ homes and said instructions have been given to fine those who wash vehicles with drinking water.
Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava said tanker water supply will be increased under a GPS-based monitoring system and leaks in the Narmada pipeline will be repaired.
“The use of treated water in gardens and other suitable places will be encouraged. Legal action will be taken against those operating drinking water plants in the city without permission,” the mayor said.
(PTI News)
