One of the most ambitious project of state government Nal Jal Yojana is breathing its last in rural areas of the district even before it could take a start. The worst affected are Burdi and Chindgarh block of Sukma district. The pipeline laid at a cost of lakhs for the project has started leaking at many places and require immediate repair. Keeping in mind the water problem in area over head tank was constructed at a cost of lakhs three years back. The people breathed a sigh of relief thinking they would now be relieved of water problem. But even after three years, water supply has not been made possible in the village.
As per information received from PHE department, tender was issued for laying of pipe line under this project in village Talnar. Contractor Khagesh Meshram was awarded the work at 49% higher rate than SOR. The irregularities in laying of line has resulted in damage of pipes even before the project could see light. The platform prepared for public tap in the village itself tells the story of negligence and irregularities. Contractor said, lack lustre attitude of power department has delayed this project. But according to power department employees, connection has been given three months back. Villagers said, trial was taken by the department to fill water in the tank and also supply through pipeline.
Villagers forced to take water from rusted hand pumps As the condition of Nal-Jal Yojana has failed villagers do do not get clean drinking water and are forced to take water from hand pump which is already rusted and clean water is a distant dream. The villagers and school children are getting ill by consuming this dirty water.
Soon people will get rid of water scarcity: SDO
PHE department SDO R L Mandavi said, pipeline repair work is in progress and soon after repair water will be supplied after testing is done.
