Covering up mistakes; Committee searches for alternatives

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

A shocking incident where a 12 to 14 km road was constructed over a water pipeline on Paithan Road was revealed by the newspaper. Following this, a committee, chaired by the Divisional Commissioner appointed by the Aurangabad Bench, conducted an inspection of the entire new water supply scheme, including the road, today (Saturday). It was found that several grave mistakes had been made by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP). In an attempt to cover up these errors, the committee discussed measures that could be taken to prevent traffic from continuing over the water pipeline. The committee meticulously inspected various works for nearly seven hours, which is notable.

The divisional commissioner, Dilip Gawade, along with municipal administrator G Sreekanth, MJP’s superintending engineer Manisha Palande, NHAI’s project director Ravindra Ingole, CSMC’s special project officer M B Kazi, executive engineer K M Phalak, MJP’s Deepak Koli, Kiran Patil, and GVPR Company officials were present.

Firstly, the divisional commissioner inspected the construction work of the massive Jackwell being built at Jayakwadi Dam. MJP officials claimed that the Phase I work of the Jackwell would be completed by the end of March.

Air valves need to be upright

A 20-km water pipeline runs from Jayakwadi to Nakshatrawadi, with 12 km of it already paved with tar. Now, work has started to install air valves. In an attempt to cover up the mistakes of the NHAI, some officials from MJP installed air valves at 40 locations in the shape of the English letter "S." Experts have ruled this method to be entirely wrong. Air valves should be positioned upright. A total of 80 air valves are to be installed along the pipeline, with each valve requiring a surrounding wall on all four sides. There will be 8 butterfly valves in total on the pipeline. The committee observed that air valves are being installed on the road at locations like Dawarwadi, Kaudgaon, and Bidkin.

Bridge on water pipeline

A large bridge has been constructed over the water pipeline at the spot close to Bidkin. Officials from the committee were inspecting this bridge when NHAI officials questioned the MJP officials, asking, "What are you trying to achieve by showing this?" The disagreement and lack of coordination between the two departments were evident at every step.

In the water supply issue, which is of utmost importance for the 18 lakh citizens of the city, MJP and NHAI are continuing to make mistakes. The residents of the city are bearing the brunt of these errors. Despite this, the committee has focused on finding a way out of the issue rather than taking action against the responsible parties.

Discussion on Alternatives

-Can modern iron railings, similar to those installed along the Samruddhi Expressway, be erected alongside the water pipeline to ensure its safety?

-Suggest additional measures to prevent vehicles from moving over the water pipeline, and send a report on these suggestions as soon as possible.

-If the National Highway can be expanded in the opposite direction of the water pipeline, prepare an estimate for the cost of such expansion.

-Since the water pipeline cannot be shifted, the road itself needs to be relocated. If land acquisition is required in certain areas, estimate the cost for that as well.

-Provide examples where air valves have been installed horizontally on the side of the road, and give a written statement confirming that this method has been successful.

It is essential to move the project forward

Divisional Commissioner Dilip Gawade said,” Rather than focusing on who made the mistakes, we are considering what solutions can be implemented. We have to provide water to the city as soon as possible and also ensure good roads for the citizens."

No makeshift solutions needed

Municipal Administrator G Sreekanth said, "We are exploring options such as installing air valves horizontally, figuring out how to shift the road to the opposite side of the water pipeline, and other possible solutions. A way forward will soon be found."