The Times of India 07.05.2013
Old sewerage line in Walled City to be replaced soon
JAIPUR: The old and choked sewerage lines in the Walled City area are expected to be replaced soon as the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) has drawn a plan to seek funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
The sewerage line in the Walled City area is over 40 years old and is in urgent need of repair or replacement.
According to officials, the detail project report (DPR) to upgrade the sewerage lines in 12 cities, including Jaipur, has been sent to the Central government. A senior official said, "The estimated population in the Walled City area is approximately 6 lakh, and the plan has been drawn accordingly. Pipelines of 200 mm width will be laid to curb the problem of overflowing. The project will cost nearly Rs 413 crore and we are expecting to receive half the amount under the scheme."
During monsoon, leakage in sewer lines in the Walled City area has led to contamination of the drinking water supply in the past few years.
Despite several complaints by councillors and residents, the municipal body expressed its helplessness to replace the old pipes due to shortage of funds.
Councillor of ward number 56 Kailash Naveriya said, "Every monsoon, the overflowing sewer lines pollute the drinking water. Even after repairing the lines, the problem has remained. Several residents fall sick every year. People have stopped consuming water that is supplied through the pipeline."
He added, "So far, the state government and the JMC have not figured out any permanent solution, thereby, putting the lives of several people at risk."
A senior JMC official said, "The project is pending for over four years now. During this time, the project cost has also gone up by at least Rs 100 crore. Earlier, it was estimated Rs 300 crore and a proposal was also sent to the state government for financial assistance. The state government later sent it to the Centre seeking funds under the JNNURM. But, the state has not received the funds yet."
He added, "We take immediate action on the complaints and wherever the water is polluted due to leakage of sewer line, we cut the supply and change the water pipeline. However, there is no permanent solution."
Explaining the contamination process, experts said the old sewer pipelines are laid down along with water pipelines. An overflow in the sewer lines and breakage in the drinking water pipelines causes contamination.
The sewerage line in the Walled City area is over 40 years old and is in urgent need of repair or replacement.
According to officials, the detail project report (DPR) to upgrade the sewerage lines in 12 cities, including Jaipur, has been sent to the Central government. A senior official said, "The estimated population in the Walled City area is approximately 6 lakh, and the plan has been drawn accordingly. Pipelines of 200 mm width will be laid to curb the problem of overflowing. The project will cost nearly Rs 413 crore and we are expecting to receive half the amount under the scheme."
During monsoon, leakage in sewer lines in the Walled City area has led to contamination of the drinking water supply in the past few years.
Despite several complaints by councillors and residents, the municipal body expressed its helplessness to replace the old pipes due to shortage of funds.
Councillor of ward number 56 Kailash Naveriya said, "Every monsoon, the overflowing sewer lines pollute the drinking water. Even after repairing the lines, the problem has remained. Several residents fall sick every year. People have stopped consuming water that is supplied through the pipeline."
He added, "So far, the state government and the JMC have not figured out any permanent solution, thereby, putting the lives of several people at risk."
A senior JMC official said, "The project is pending for over four years now. During this time, the project cost has also gone up by at least Rs 100 crore. Earlier, it was estimated Rs 300 crore and a proposal was also sent to the state government for financial assistance. The state government later sent it to the Centre seeking funds under the JNNURM. But, the state has not received the funds yet."
He added, "We take immediate action on the complaints and wherever the water is polluted due to leakage of sewer line, we cut the supply and change the water pipeline. However, there is no permanent solution."
Explaining the contamination process, experts said the old sewer pipelines are laid down along with water pipelines. An overflow in the sewer lines and breakage in the drinking water pipelines causes contamination.
