NAGPUR:
Though Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is yet to upgrade city
infrastructure to the international level, it has earned a dubious
international recognition for the city. ‘Veolia Water and the
privatization of water in India (Nagpur)’ have been nominated for the
France-based Pinocchio Awards 2013. Three French international
associations give the award to highlight violations of social and
environmental rights.

Interestingly, Veolia Water, 50% partner in city water operator Orange City Water Private Limited (OCW), also originates in France.

NMC union leader and CPI district secretary Jammu Anand
revealed on Friday the dubious distinction the city has bagged for
handing over the water works to a private company for 25 years. “The
three associations – Friends of Earth-France, Research and Information
Centre, and Peoples Solidaires-Action Aid France – are recognized all
over the world for highlighting water privatization worst practices.
Veolia and water privatization of the city has been nominated for the
category “one for all and all for me”. The associations spread awareness
among people about harm of privatization of natural resources and also
factual situation between the claims of multinational companies and the
results,” he said.

Anand added that at least now NMC should
realize its mistake and terminate the contract with OCW. “We are
fighting against water privatization since the beginning. Most shocking
is that Veolia, the second largest water company, has tied up with Vishvaraj Infrastructures Limited,
which has zero experience in the water sector. There are already some
problems and Nagpurians will have to face more problems due to water
privatization in the coming days. Citizens should visit the website
(www.prix-pinocchio.org) and vote in large numbers. This will help our
civic body realize its mistake,” he said.

Earlier, TOI has
highlighted strong opposition to privatization of water works in foreign
countries, especially in France, where Veolia Water is based. Even the
civic body of Paris had terminated the contract with Veolia and other
private water companies and taken back control of its water supply. This
came to fore when a few journalists from France visited the city to
inspect the water works.

Even the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh
had passed a resolution opposing privatization of water works. However,
the BJP-ruled NMC has stayed firm on its plan to continue with private
water operators and implement Central government schemes through it. In
fact, despite severe problems last summer, which proved the private
water operator’s inefficiency in operating the water works, the civic
body is refusing to act.