Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's Water Crisis Deepens as Project Deadlines Slip
Despite firm assurances from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy Eknath Shinde in early January that Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar would receive a reliable water supply within two months, the city's residents continue to face severe water shortages. The sluggish progress of the ongoing Rs 2,740 crore water supply project is rendering these political promises increasingly hollow, with critical components still incomplete and many areas lacking basic tap connections.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Broken Promises
Local residents express deep frustration and skepticism toward the government's commitments. Renuka Beedkar, a resident of the Satara area, labeled the assurance of water supply within two months as a "poll gimmick by ruling party politicians to win municipal elections." She highlighted that her area still lacks tap water connections, with no clear timeline for resolution.
In the Mitmita area, Nilesh More described a dire situation where many borewells dry up after winter, forcing residents to rely on expensive private water tankers. "We have to arrange private tankers and jars. Only God knows when we will get tap water," he lamented, underscoring the financial and logistical burdens faced by families.
Project Delays and Incomplete Infrastructure
The ambitious water supply project, which aims to transform the city's infrastructure, is significantly behind schedule. Key statistics reveal the scale of the delays:
- Only 7 out of 52 planned overhead tanks have been handed over to the municipal corporation.
- An additional 22 tanks are expected by end-March, but no official word exists on the remaining 23.
- Approximately 40% of the 1,800km internal pipeline network remains unlaid.
- The project has already missed its initial deadline of March 2024.
These delays compound the water scarcity issues, leaving many neighborhoods without access to municipal supply as summer approaches.
Official Responses and Political Pressure
Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikarn (MJP) officials maintain that the project is progressing rapidly. A senior MJP official stated, "Different components of the project, including the important construction of a jackwell, are almost over. Remaining works will be completed in a time-bound manner as the CM and his team are closely monitoring progress."
However, newly elected mayor Sameer Rajurkar was unavailable for comment, adding to the uncertainty. A senior BJP politician defended the CM's promise, arguing that it has "put necessary pressure on government officials." He added, "Without such pressure, no impetus can be offered to the project. Authorities know they have to answer to the state government and people if the project is delayed."
As Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar braces for another dry summer, the gap between political assurances and ground reality grows wider, highlighting systemic challenges in urban infrastructure development.
