Bhopal: Residential Complexes Along Hoshangabad Road Face Water Shortage Despite Having Bulk Narmada Water Connection
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Summer has begun, and around 150–160 residential colonies along Hoshangabad Road are already facing water shortages.
Despite some colonies having bulk connections of Narmada water, they continue to struggle due to low water pressure and inconsistent supply. This has made it difficult for residents to meet their daily water needs. The rising temperatures have only worsened the situation by increasing water demand.
Most of these colonies fall under Zone-13 of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Residents claim that only about 10% of the fixed quantity of water is being supplied, leading to an acute shortage. Colonies with borewells are managing to some extent, while others are forced to rely on private water tankers. Only three colonies—Vidya Nagar, Surendra Palace, and Anand Vihar—where VVIPs reside, have normal water supply, they claimed.
“Whenever we raise the issue with BMC officials, they show us bills running into lakhs,” a resident said.
The BMC administration admitted that demand increases in the summer due to the widespread use of coolers in households, leading to higher consumption. “We charge based on meter readings,” BMC officials stated.
‘Demand shoots up during summers’
Water supply in-charge, Sandeep Sarothe said “Water demand in residential colonies increases during summer due to the use of coolers. While we try to supply as per demand, the limited availability leads to a water crisis.
There are 150 bulk connections in Zone-13 alone. Regarding allegations of inflated bills, we are charging based on water meter readings. People have to pay for the water they consume. If less water is supplied, they will be billed accordingly.”
'10% of fixed quantity of supplied'
President of New Colonies welfare Association, Sunil Upadhyay said “There are around 150–160 colonies receiving very little water- hardly 10% - even though they have bulk water connections.
If there are 100 families, and each should receive 1,000 liters, the total should be 1 lakh liters. But in summer, we barely receive 10,000 liters. When we approach officials, they show us inflated bills of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. This is nothing but blackmailing.”
‘Inflated bill raised’
Ex-MLA Shailendra Pradhan said “This is autocracy on the part of the BMC. If the administration fails to supply even the stipulated quantity of water under bulk connections, it should not charge residents.
Despite non-supply, the civic body raises bills based solely on water connection. Colonizers who have borewells in addition to bulk connections are somehow managing. Otherwise, the water crisis would have worsened.
‘Mismanagement on part of officials ‘
President of DK Devsthali residential society, Priyanath Pathak said “Even valve operators seek bribes for water supply and extra time. The BMC fails to monitor these operators, and a few people exploit this for personal gain by paying them off.
This leads to extended supply in a few areas and shortage in colonies along Hoshangabad Road. Colonies like Vidya Nagar, Surendra Palace, and Anand Vihar enjoy better-than-normal water supply. The same standard should be maintained across all colonies.”
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