Solapur, Correspondent
The ambitious ₹1,483-crore water distribution plan prepared by the Solapur Municipal Corporation to strengthen the city’s long-term water supply has hit a roadblock ahead of final administrative approval. Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has questioned how a project initially estimated at around ₹850 crore has escalated to between ₹1,400 crore and ₹1,500 crore.
The water distribution project was presented before the Chief Secretary on Thursday. Public Health Engineer Venkatesh Chaube briefed officials on the city’s existing water supply system, pipeline network, available water resources and the proposed project. The Chief Secretary sought greater clarity on the rising cost, the city’s growing population and its future water requirements. He also directed the civic administration to make necessary changes to the proposal and submit a revised plan by September 13.
The Municipal Corporation, however, has maintained that the project has been designed in accordance with World Bank guidelines and that simply reducing the project cost would not be feasible. According to the administration, cutting works and funding could compromise the project’s original objectives.
A fresh presentation is expected after the revised plan is prepared. Residents are now awaiting a final decision on the project, as any further delay could once again cast uncertainty over Solapur’s long-term water security.
Giving Old Pipelines a New Lease of Life
Replacing ageing water pipelines, establishing distribution networks in newly developed areas and strengthening the overall water distribution system to meet future demand are among the key objectives of the project. The civic administration has planned to begin the tendering process within a month of receiving approval.
Can the Project Cost Be Brought Below ₹1,400 Crore?
The Municipal Corporation maintains that, under the World Bank agreement, the scope of the project cannot be substantially reduced. The key question now is whether the state government will approve the significantly increased project cost.
Focus on Elected Representatives
There are growing expectations that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Guardian Minister Jaykumar Gore and other elected representatives from Solapur will pursue the matter with the state government and help secure final administrative approval. The project is considered crucial for ensuring the city’s future water security.
Project Has Been Presented Earlier Too
The state Cabinet has already approved the project as one of public importance and urgency. The proposal had also previously been presented before Govindraja, then Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department. Following the latest objections raised by the Chief Secretary, attention is now focused on whether the revised water plan will receive approval or face another delay.
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