The Times of India  25.08.2010

NAGPUR: Even as Indian makes efforts to become an economic superpower it faces a big hurdle which might undo all the efforts if not addressed properly. Many parts of the country are facing water shortage and it is bound to increase in the coming years. Many cities are unable to supply adequate water to their residents and the central government knows that this could lead to widespread unrest.

As per Union urban development ministry study, the total current demand for water is around 1,100 billion cubic metres (bcm) of which around 71.5 bcm is consumed in urban and semiurban areas and which are expected consume 104.9 bcm by 2030. Sixty-five cities, under the ambit of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), get funding from central and state governments. Some other cities get funds under other schemes. However, only funds won't solve the problem and a complete overhaul is needed.

Under different sections, the ministry has listed how and why poor management is the bane of water crisis. Using the study as a mirror, TOI attempts to make a comparison on how the city will cope up with water shortage in years to come.

POOR MANAGEMENT

National view: One of the key findings is that water per se is not scarce in most cities but mismanagement at macro and micro levels leads to shortages. Most cities are not able to supply water for more than a few hours. However, cities with equal population but less water are able to supply adequate to its residents through better management.

City scenario: Last year, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC's) water works department (WWD) was able to bill only 256 million litres per day (MLD) of the 520 MLD supplied to the city, on an average. About 100 MLD was pilfered while the remaining quantity is wasted through leakages. While leakages cannot be plugged completely, the percentage can be brought down significantly.

City's distribution system is also plagued by old pumping machinery, lack of pipelines in unauthorized layouts, slums and inefficient staff.

POOR FINANCIAL STATE

National view: In most cities water is provided by municipal bodies, whose financial condition is quite bad. Their water supply departments incur huge losses year after year. Poor finances of civic agencies discourage private sector.

City scenario: NMC's standing committee presents inflated budgets every year, which is downsized by the municipal commissioner. However, even the commissioner's revenue target is not met leading to huge deficits. As a result NMC is not able to pay its contractors on time.

UNVIABLE WATER RATES

National view: The water tariff is not determined by the cost incurred in supplying water. The elected representatives strongly oppose any proposal to make the tariff realistic. The tariff structure is so unscientific that even rich enjoy the subsidy. As a result investment remains low and leads to poor service.

City scenario: Last year, the civic body increased rates. However, following an outcry from a section of the citizens, the civic body reduced the rates drastically in February. The expenditure on water supply was more than Rs 130 crore including depreciation and loan repayment expenses. It came down to Rs 85 crore if these were excluded.

INADEQUATE METERING

National view: Water supply sector in the country on an average has less than 50% metering, which makes accurate monitoring of consumption, revenue assessment and leakage identification possible. At present performance is dependent on estimates making cost recovery difficult. Studies also show that metering also improves service.