Daijiworld Media Network - Ahilyanagar
Ahilyanagar, Sep 20: Citizens of Nevasa city staged a unique protest on Friday against an eight-day water supply disruption caused by confusion between Mahavitaran and the Nagar Panchayat. Frustrated residents entered the Nagar Panchayat office carrying clothes and buckets, threatening to take a bath in front of the office to highlight the crisis.
The protest, organized by Me Nevaskar Sanghatana and Samarpan Foundation, was called off after MLA Vitthalrao Langhe intervened and assured the District Collector that a discussion would be arranged over the phone.
According to Dr. Karan Ghule of Samarpan Foundation, central areas of the city have been without water for eight days, while suburban regions are facing shortages for 15 days. The issue stems from an express feeder built by Mahavitaran for the water supply scheme, which has been compromised due to unauthorized industrial power connections. This has led to frequent power interruptions affecting water distribution.
During the protest, Mahavitaran claimed there was no express feeder for water supply, surprising the citizens since Nevasa Nagar Panchayat had paid Rs. 27 lakh for it back in 1998. The department is now proposing a separate feeder, which the residents say is unnecessary. Activists demanded that Mahavitaran construct a separate feeder for industrial use while maintaining the old one for city water supply.
Shantaram Gaike of Me Nevaskar highlighted that citizens are charged for a full year’s water supply, yet face shortages for nearly half the year. Dr. Ghule warned that unless the revised water scheme is implemented promptly, further protests will be launched.
Several local leaders and activists, including Vikas Chavan, Sandeep Behale, Sandeep Alawane, and others, voiced their concerns during the protest. The agitation was withdrawn after Nagar Panchayat Chief Officer Santosh Landge and Mahavitaran Deputy Executive Engineer Badve submitted a written commitment to restore water and electricity supply within eight days.