Indore's First Water Hearing Attracts Hundreds, Exposes Deep Water Woes
The Indore Municipal Corporation launched its first weekly Jal Sunvai on Tuesday. This water hearing initiative received an overwhelming response from residents across all 85 wards. Hundreds of people gathered at overhead water tank campuses to voice their concerns.
Residents Present Physical Evidence of Water Crisis
People arrived at hearing sites armed with tangible proof of their water problems. Dharmendra Sahu, a resident of Aalapura in Juni Indore, brought a bottle of murky water to the Pagnispaga overhead tank in Ward 61. He explained the difficulties his community faces due to low water pressure and filthy water supply.
In Ward 19, Mahendra Bourasi of Bhagat Singh Nagar shared his family's anxiety following the recent tragic outbreak in Bhagirathpura. He stated that complaints about foul smells and contaminated water have gone unaddressed for a long time. Now his family fears even touching tap water.
Multiple Complaints Registered Across City
The Khajrana area, which depends on four major water tanks serving wards 38 to 41, recorded seven official complaints. Six complaints involved complete lack of water supply. Residents of Ishaq Colony reported that water runs black or muddy for the first five to ten minutes of every supply cycle.
IMC commissioner Kshitij Singhal revealed that approximately 310 complaints were officially recorded during Tuesday's hearings. He assured residents that most complaints not requiring major infrastructure work would be resolved within 48 to 72 hours. More complex issues involving engineering challenges or pipeline replacements would receive priority attention.
Long-Term Solutions in Progress
To address persistent pressure problems in elevated areas like Annapurna, Dwarkapuri, Rajendra Nagar, and Pragati Nagar, mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav and commissioner Singhal inspected ongoing construction of a massive Sumwell at Phulbagh. This new facility will store over three crore litres of water once completed.
Commissioner Singhal explained that the Sumwell would resolve technical difficulties in filling ten major overhead tanks that currently struggle to reach capacity due to Indore's topography. Mayor Bhargav instructed officials to maintain transparent complaint registers at every site and warned that negligence in ensuring regular, pure water supply would face strict departmental action.
The Jal Sunvai program operates under the state's Swachh Jal Abhiyan campaign. It has clearly highlighted deep-seated concerns about water quality and availability throughout Indore. Residents' participation demonstrates both the severity of the water crisis and public willingness to engage with municipal authorities on this critical issue.
