In a significant step to address water supply irregularities and complaints, the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation has established a dedicated water task force. This development comes after MLA Sneha Pandit-Dubey raised the issue in multiple forums, urging swift action to resolve long-standing grievances regarding water distribution in the region.
The newly formed task force will consist of municipal engineers and staff who will inspect water supply systems in each ward on a weekly basis. This proactive measure aims to streamline water distribution, eliminate illegal connections, and ensure fair access to water for all residents.
Growing Problems in Water Supply
Vasai-Virar city receives its water supply from key sources like the Surya Water Project, Usgaon, and Pelhar dams. However, as the city expands and its population grows rapidly, the demand for water has consistently outpaced supply. Complaints of irregular water distribution, illegal pipeline connections, and areas receiving insufficient or low-pressure water have become commonplace.
The issue is further exacerbated by the presence of a thriving tanker mafia, which exploits the water scarcity to charge exorbitant rates for tanker services. Many localities still lack direct water connections, while others complain of inadequate supply, even in households with existing pipelines.
Residents have repeatedly demanded equal and sufficient water supply, but the issue has persisted. Reports of pending applications for new pipeline connections and delays in resolving technical issues have only added to the frustration of the people.
MLA Takes a Stand
The rising discontent among citizens prompted MLA Sneha Pandit-Dubey to take up the matter. In a recent review meeting with municipal officials, she criticized their handling of water distribution and urged them to find practical solutions. She also raised the issue during the winter session of the Nagpur Assembly, highlighting the pressing need for a robust water management system.
Following her persistent efforts, the Vasai-Virar Corporation announced the formation of the water task force. This team, comprising engineers and other officials, is tasked with addressing distribution anomalies, identifying illegal connections, and resolving technical faults that cause low-pressure water supply.
Speaking about the initiative, a water supply officer from the corporation stated, “The task force will focus on ensuring equal water distribution across all wards. We will also prioritize pending applications for new connections and take action against unauthorized pipelines.”
The Question of Individual Water Connections
One of the critical issues highlighted by MLA Pandit-Dubey is the lack of individual water connections in many households. Under the Central Government’s Jal Jeevan Mission, the goal is to provide piped water to every household. However, the municipal corporation has adopted a policy of providing one standpost connection for every ten houses, particularly in chawls and densely populated areas.
“Why does every house not have a direct water connection?” questioned the MLA. She emphasized that the current system is inadequate and urged the corporation to revise its policies to align with the vision of the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Responding to these concerns, municipal officials clarified that providing individual connections to every household would require passing a new resolution. However, they assured that even in the absence of direct connections, efforts are being made to ensure that water reaches every household through alternative means.
The Road Ahead
The formation of the water task force marks a positive step toward resolving the water woes of Vasai-Virar residents. Weekly inspections by the task force will help identify and address issues promptly, improving the overall efficiency of the water distribution system.
Additionally, the corporation has promised to take strict action against unauthorized connections and technical faults. Residents with pending applications for new connections can expect faster processing, ensuring that more households gain access to municipal water supply.
The success of this initiative will depend on consistent monitoring and timely action by the task force. With MLA Pandit-Dubey keeping a close eye on the progress, residents remain hopeful that the corporation will deliver on its promises and put an end to the city’s water supply challenges.
As the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation takes on this ambitious task, the residents wait eagerly for tangible results, hoping for a future where water is no longer a luxury but a basic amenity accessible to all.
