Public utilities continue to suffer damages owing to lack of co-ordination and indifferent approach of the authorities concerned leaving citizens to bear its brunt. In the latest case, a water pipeline adjacent to Panchsheel Talkies took the beating when it was broken in middle over the Naag Nullah. The incident occurred on Tuesday during demolition of the road over bridge (RoB) as it outlived its utility. Areas of Ramdaspeth, Chhoti Dhantoli and those around Yeshwant Stadium went without water on Tuesday due to breaking down of the main pipeline. Till repair works are completed, the water supply would remain disrupted, said a release issued by Orange City Water (OCW). National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) was forced to take-up urgent construction of new bridge, after parapet wall on one side of the bridge, adjacent to Soyamilk Complex, on Wardha Road, collapsed during the flash flood on September 22. As the work picked-up pace, it was evident that the water pipeline might get damaged, but none of the officials, that of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), nor that of NHAI took any efforts to ensure that damage is avoided.

 

A simple shifting of pipeline was all that needed and it would avoided the damage that would now be repaired using public funds. In short, people would suffer disruption in drinking water supply that would leave thousands thirsty. And no one would be perturbed by the inconvenience caused to citizens. This is not an isolated case as on countless occasions, during the ongoing makeover of city, public utility, be it underground electric cables, or water pipeline have been damaged with impunity. And till date no action has been initiated against any official, as if it is norm. Already citizens continue to suffer endlessly due to closure of stretch from Panchasheel Talkies Square till Jhansi Rani Square after the bridge over Naag Nullah got damaged. The 300 mm water pipeline suffered a fatal blow of the excavator that was engaged by contractor to demolish the concrete structure of old bridge.