Even as population in the city rises, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is rising to the occasion by meeting the demands of citizens for drinking water. While the civic body is matching the demand as is indicated by yearly-rise in supplied water, on the flip side, however, the losses are growing substantially indicating that all is not well in the Water Supply Department. Information shared by NMC showcased the mismatch in recovery against supply and if the situation remains as it is, then in immediate future the citizens might have to bear with steep increase in water cess. Sharing information with Abhay Kolarkar, the Water Supply Department provided the year -wise data about the supply of drinking water. A simple reading of the available datasheet indicates that now the arrears figure has risen to Rs 253 crores during financial year 2023-24. This is despite handing over the supply of drinking water to private company, the civic body financial returns are in negative zone.

 

The development does not augur well as expenses on account of lifting of water from storage and other fees for treatment and maintenance of the infrastructure is only going to rise over the years. Kolarkar sought information for the past five financial years wherein he was given the figures. As to 2019-20, the total water supplies to different category of consumers was 643.061 MLD against which arrears were Rs 176 crore. Though in next financial, 2020-21 the arrears reduced a bit, to Rs 171 crore, the water supply increased considerably to 667.759 MLD. However, from next year onwards, the arrears began to swell, which is a sign of worry.

 

In year 2021-22 while NMC provided water of 664.139 MLD, the arrears zoomed to Rs 191 crore. Against in 2022-23 the total supply was 676.076 MLD the arrears jumped to Rs 219 crores and now as abovementioned, they are pegged at Rs 253 crores. The water supplied during 2023 is 714.830 MLD. In fact the demand for water supply is going to rise to one of the highest levels, as during year 2024 till May 2024 already 715.067 MLD was supplied so far. Under RTI, Kolarkar also sought information as to losses suffered in drinking water supply scheme to which the private operator expressed inability, saying same is available with NMC. Post outsourcing drinking water supply, the recovery of NMC has increased, compared to yesteryears when it was in-house. Still the rising arrears is a worrying sign and needs quick fixing to avoid ballooning of the default.