Urban News

  • Increase font size
  • Default font size
  • Decrease font size

OCWL's 'solution' for a solution that didn't solve problem

Print PDF

The Times of India                    15.04.2013

OCWL's 'solution' for a solution that didn't solve problem

NAGPUR: In yet another case proving private water operator Orange City Water Limited's (OCWL) inefficiency in water works, engineers from the company have failed to locate a water pipeline for over 10 months. This has resulted in unaccountable loss of potable water and threat to a flyover's structure. Now, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), in association with OCWL, is planning another solution to correct the first 'solution' in the case.

TOI was the first to highlight massive water leakage under Sitabuldi flyover's retaining wall structure on June 30. After a series of stories, including opinion from structural engineers about chance of threat to flyover's structure, NMC planned a new water pipeline from Morris college T-point to Panchsheel square, to bypass the stretch of pipeline below the flyover.

Meanwhile, OCWL laid a pipe to let the leaking water flow into a storm water drain. The new pipeline was laid after a long delay, stretching to some distance beyond Jhansi Rani square. However, no work was undertaken to stop the actual leak, resulting in water loss continuing. The leaking water soon started to flow on the road at Variety Square again, creating chaos and drawing the attention of NMC and OCWL officials.

A visit to the site reveals a shocking picture with gallons of potable water still going waste below the flyover round the clock. Besides, OCWL is yet to connect the new pipeline with the leaking pipeline at Morris college T-point and Panchsheel square.

Asked about the status of work, NMC officiating executive engineer Azizur Reham told TOI OCWL could not identify the pipeline below the flyover to correct the problems. "Even NMC staffers have no idea about the pipelines as they are very old. We are planning is to connect new pipeline at Variety square to stop leakage, and work is expected to begin from Monday," he said.

The work is expected to take a long time and will end up abandoning the new pipeline worth lakhs laid beyond Variety square.
Last Updated on Monday, 15 April 2013 11:47