Congress Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Satej Patil has raised a serious alarm over the security of Kolhapur's crucial water supply infrastructure. He expressed fears that the direct pipelines from the Kalammawadi dam, located approximately 50 kilometers away, could be deliberately tampered with for political gains. Patil announced his intention to formally request the police department to deploy bandobast and security along the entire stretch of the project to prevent any sabotage.
Refuting Allegations with a Presentation
Patil made these statements while holding a detailed presentation to counter allegations leveled against him by politicians from the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The opposition members had targeted him for alleged corruption and poor-quality work related to the water supply project. In his defense, Patil presented facts to showcase the project's efficacy and reach.
The Rs 450 crore project was approved during the final year of the previous UPA government. Patil emphasized that the very project he helped get approved has been successfully supplying water for the past three years. This supply benefits not just the general populace but also includes prominent BJP politicians. He revealed that the project currently serves around 1.2 lakh water connections within Kolhapur city.
History of Tampering and Political Targeting
"Attempts were made to tamper with the pipelines, the bolts were removed, and the city reeled under water scarcity," Patil stated, recalling past incidents. Following these acts of vandalism, the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation was forced to file First Information Reports (FIRs) against the miscreants.
He connected these events to a pattern of political targeting. "The project was commissioned three years ago, but I have been targeted during every election since then," Patil lamented. His current request for police protection stems from the apprehension that the vital infrastructure might be compromised again for political mileage.
Countering Charges on Water Reach and Contractor Issues
Addressing another accusation from the opposition—that water was not reaching citizens—Patil provided a pointed rebuttal. He shifted focus to the contractor responsible for laying internal water pipelines within the city. Patil identified this contractor as the son of a BJP MLA.
He highlighted a significant penalty imposed on this contractor for delays. "That contractor was fined Rs 24 crore for delays in laying internal pipelines," Patil disclosed. He then posed a challenging question to the Mahayuti politicians: "Why do the Mahayuti politicians not make the contractor pay the fine and get the remaining work completed?" This query was aimed at underscoring what he perceives as selective criticism and a failure to hold their own associates accountable for project delays.
The situation underscores the heightened political tensions surrounding major infrastructure projects in Maharashtra, with water security for Kolhapur's residents becoming a central point of contention.
