Drinking water supply in several Mango neighborhoods was abruptly cut off on Sunday morning, causing distress among residents during the Diwali festival. Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy responded swiftly by visiting the Mango Water Supply Project’s intake well. His inspection extended to the water tank near Prithvi Park, and he also sent his team to the water treatment facility responsible for feeding local storage tanks.
Mr. Roy concluded his inspection by attributing the water stoppage to the sheer negligence of the project’s management and the contractor managing its operations. He announced plans to submit a formal charge sheet against the Executive Engineer of the water supply department after the holiday break, demanding accountability for their failure to perform their duties. He also intends to recommend the contractor be blacklisted by the government.
Accessing the intake well revealed a significant buildup of silt, indicating a lack of regular cleaning. Mr. Roy instructed the Mango Nagar Nigam’s Deputy Municipal Commissioner to immediately address the cleaning issue. Upon clearing the silt, water flow resumed. At the Prithvi Park tank, staff reported receiving water from the treatment plant only sporadically, specifically two to three days a week, due to the contractor’s actions. This points to a failure in oversight by the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department as well.
An examination of the water treatment plant’s operations uncovered a pattern of favoritism in water distribution. Contracted staff were channeling more water to specific areas, consequently depriving others, especially those requiring more during festive times. The contractor, when questioned about this disparity, claimed it was a directive from higher authorities that he could not override. Conversely, the Executive Engineer of the drinking water supply department denied any knowledge of such orders, suggesting a possible unholy alliance between the contractor and department officials. Mr. Roy has called upon the Deputy Municipal Commissioner to investigate these claims thoroughly and initiate disciplinary actions against all individuals found responsible for these lapses, ensuring reliable water service during critical periods.