Arvind Kejriwal: Will order 700 litres of free water within 24 hours oftaking oath

NEW DELHI: Arvind Kejriwal will pass orders to fulfill his election promise of providing 700 liters of water every day to each household within 24 hours of taking oath as chief minister of Delhi on Saturday.

In an exclusive interview to TOI on the day President Pranab Mukherjee cleared the way for him to be the CM, Kejriwal also declared that he would order an audit of the accounts of power distribution companies in the city to check whether they have engaged in fudging their records.

"We are not claiming that we will make water available to everyone, at least at the present. But we are promising to make 700 liters of water free for each family for which only an executive order is needed," Kejriwal said. He said that distribution of water, and not availability, was the problem.

On the audit of the books of power companies, he asserted that such an audit was possible and comes within the ambit of the Comptroller and Audit General. All that was needed was political will, Kejriwal said.

The two announcements underscored his plan to hit the ground running and could assuage the doubts, at least about his willingness if not capability, to deliver on the promises that he has made.

In the wide-ranging conversation, Kejriwal also said that he wanted to divide the city into 2,720 mohalla sabhas to discharge local responsibilities: from the maintenance of schools, dispensaries parks to construction and repair of roads and provision of drinking water and electricity. Resources will be distributed among the mohalla sabhas to fund their requirements. To bring out what might deepen decentralization by taking it to an additional layer, former chief secretary Madhya Pradesh, S C Behar, has been asked to draw the roadmap.

Kejriwal acknowledged that one of the reasons he agreed to form the government despite being short of the majority mark was because he wanted to call Congress's bluff. He disclosed that he was set to decline the invitation because he was confident that AAP would sweep the re-election. The stand changed when Congress offered him outside support and, within no time, even started taunting for running away from taking responsibility. "This led us to conduct a referendum on whether we should accept Congress's help to form the government," said Kejriwal. He smiled when asked whether he felt that Congress has been trapped.

The CM-designate struck a realistic note when asked about AAP's plan for Lok Sabha elections, saying that AAP could contest any number of seats ranging from 20 to 400 depending on its assessment of its prospects in individual seats as well as its ability to find "suitable clean" candidates. Though this appeared modest in view of the assessment that the rookie party could run both Congress and BJP close at least in urban constituencies, Kejriwal was confident that its spectacular performance in Delhi will help AAP expand its footprint to other parts of the country. He said that government's performance in Delhi will the most effective campaign for the party.

He was not deterred by the fact that AAP might be squeezed out of the Lok Sabha arena because it will not be seen as a serious contender for power at Delhi in case it is unable to contest a majority of the seats. "Our polity is already fractured. Trinamool and SP win seats even though they restricted to their states", he pointed out.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Arvind-Kejriwal-Will-order-700-litres-of-free-water-within-24-hours-of-taking-oath/articleshow/27927843.cms

Karnataka MLAs to go to Latin America for 'studying water falls in Amazon forests'

BANGALORE: A 30-member Karnataka legislators delegation is planning to take off to three Latin American countries in January, to "study the water falls in the Amazon forests and sporting activity," which will cost the state exchequer Rs 2.25 crore.

Confirming the junket, Congress MLA Mallikaiah V Guttedar, who heads the legislature committee on estimates told TOI here on Wednesday that there was nothing wrong in the fortnight trip they are planning. "We legislators get only one opportunity to undertake a study tour abroad in five years, whereas MPs go often. There is nothing wrong in us going on these junkets," he added.

Guttedar said the dates are yet to be finalized and most likely would be after the brief legislature session in January. The trip would cost Rs 7.5 lakh per member. "We will visit the Amazon forest and study the waterfalls there to see how it can be replicated in Karnataka as we have thick forests here. We will also visit Brazil to see the sporting activity there," he maintained.

According to the itinerary prepared by a reputed travel agency the junket is for 16 days and 15 nights in January to Argentina, Brazil and Peru. They will be provided accommodation in deluxe hotels and will have to bear the cost of English speaking tour guides in each of the cities.

The itinerary for the tour includes boat tour of Buanabara Bay and Sugar Loaf mountains, visit to Tijuca rain forest, Amazon jungle tour, Tango show in Buenos Aires and a desert safari in Dubai on the way back.

Committee member and Congress MLA NA Haris said such trips provided a good opportunity for the legislators to get to know each other. "I don't think its wrong. We don't get to travel by business class. 300 legislators represent six crore population of Karnataka. Its generally the first and second time legislators who go on these junkets. Last time I went to Washington and London, it gave me an insight into many things. Our state budget is Rs 1.21 lakh crore and in this a couple of lakhs for junket will not matter," he added.

However, one of the panel member, BJP MLA V Suneel Kumar said he was not part of the junket. "My constituency work is import," he claimed.

During the BJP government in August 2012, when the state was reeling under drought, 14 MLAs had gone on a junket to South America, Peru and Brazil. Then Congress MLA BC Patil had taken exception to the flak their tour had received. "Why shouldn't we go on a junket? Are we committing theft or dacoity? It is our privilege as legislators," he had maintained.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Karnataka-MLAs-to-go-to-Latin-America-for-studying-water-falls-in-Amazon-forests/articleshow/27924810.cms

Rs 11-cr metro funds diverted to water plant

PUNE: With no signs of any work on the metro project taking off this year, the standing committee of the Pune Municipal Corporation diverted Rs 11-crore allotted for the project in its annual budget to compensate the educational institute that gave up its plot for the Wadgaon water purification plant.

The committee also pulled out Rs 6.25 crore funds set aside for works under two heads for the Baner-Balewadi grade separator to pay over Rs 17 crore to the institute. The total budgetary allocation for the metro project was Rs 12 crore.

The civic administration, with help from Jawarlalal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, has planned the treatment plant to purify 125 MLD water.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Rs-11-cr-metro-funds-diverted-to-water-plant/articleshow/27876171.cms

Kolhapur Municipal Corporation to start water audit to plug losses

KOLHAPUR: The civic body has decided to conduct water audit through hydraulic modeling of the existing water network in the city to improve supply efficiency and reduce deficits in the operational cost and revenue generated. At present, the loss in the water supply system is more than double than the permissible limit.

The Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) lifts about 120 million litres of water a day from the Panchganga and supplies only 80 MLD to various parts of the city. According to the rules of the urban development ministry of central government, a loss of around 15% while supplying water is permissible. But the loss that the civic body is incurring is around 34%.

KMC chief hydraulic engineer Manish Pawar said, "The loss in the water supply system costs us around Rs 10 crore a year in the form of deficit between operational cost and revenue generated through bills. To plug the flaws in the supply system, we will conduct a comprehensive survey of the consumers. For this, a detailed hydraulic modeling of water network will be studied."

The hydraulic modeling of the water supply network consists of survey of consumers, number of members in each household, number of household and commercial water connections and hydro-testing of the existing water network. A digital map of the water network is then prepared. The data generated through the surveys is then superimposed on a geographical information system (GIS) map.

The KMC will soon appoint a consultant to prepare a detailed project report of the hydraulic modeling and it will be submitted to the state government for funds. The state government usually approves funds for such projects through the Maharashtra Sujal Nirmal Mission.

The water losses from the urban water supply systems are because of leakages - categorized under physical and revenue or technical and non-technical heads. Factors such as leaks, theft, illegal connections and water that are not properly accounted for due to non-metering or incorrect metering lead to the losses.

Pawar said, "The leakages will be categorized through the hydraulic modeling. Action plans will also be drafted to plug these leakages. The water supply network will be mapped to ascertain the number of connections on every main pipeline, its length and the pressure that is sustained by the every pipeline."

Residents of suburban areas such as R K Nagar, Kadamwadi, Rajendranagar and some parts of E wards often complain of irregular drinking water supply. With the city growing, there's a need of flawless water management system at place.

"At present, the city has a 750- km network of water supply pipelines and we are increasing it further to meet the requirements of the people living in the suburbs. The state government has recently provided us with funds for laying a new water supply pipeline of 10 km in the Shahupuri area and a storage tank. The data generated through the hydraulic modeling will help us construct the new pipelines. It will also be beneficial for effective billing of water consumed," Pawar said.

Malkapur Model of 24x7 water supply

The municipal council of Malkapur, situated around 45 km from the city along the Pune-Bangalore national highway, has been acclaimed for 24x7 water supply to its 25,000 odd residents, who were till recent time suffering from irregular and unpredictable water supply. The situation changed following 100% metering, prediction of the demand through micro-detailing of each house, using software systems to predict the flow and pressure in the water supply system at different time of the day by using hydraulic modeling. Simplification in the billing procedures by installing meters that can read automatically. With such a facility, meter reading can be done remotely by driving through streets using hand-held devices. The radio frequency has ensured transparency in the billing procedure, resulting in an increase in revenue.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolhapur/Kolhapur-Municipal-Corporation-to-start-water-audit-to-plug-losses/articleshow/27873368.cms

Why must you drink water

Regular intake of water is essential for maintaining good health

Most of us know that up to seventy per cent of the total body weight is due to water. Although it is present in all parts of the body, it is more present in organs such as lungs and brain and fluids such as blood, lymph, saliva and secretions by the organs of the digestive system. The common belief is that we feel thirsty only when our body needs water. While this is true, recent research studies have indicated that there are several other indicators of inadequate water in some or all parts of the body. Ignoring these indicators can lead to several major diseases. Most of us spend a lot of our working hours in air-conditioned environment so naturally we don't feel thirsty but that does not mean that our body does not need water. Lack of water can lead to fatigue too. So, for your glowing health, drink enough water.

Importance of water for maintaining normal health:

Just as water helps a seed grow into a tree, it also helps our body. The flow of water inside and outside the cells generates energy. This energy is stored in body along with other chemical sources of energy in the body. The energy generated by the water in the cells helps transmit impulses in the nerves. Water content in the body influences the functions of the various proteins and enzymes that are dissolved in it.

Water helps maintain the moisture of the lining of the internal organs of the body. It maintains normal volume and consistency of fluids such as blood and lymph. It regulates body temperature.

It removes 'toxins' from the body
Water is essential for regulating the normal structure and functions of the skin. The body loses about four litres of water every day. It is, therefore, necessary to replenish this volume by drinking at least the equivalent amount of water every day. Inadequate intake of water can lead to dehydration.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Why-must-you-drink-water/articleshow/12054949.cms

Water pipeline installation work mars traffic flow at Madhya Marg

CHANDIGARH: Installation work of a water pine line caused a lot of inconveniences to thousands of commuters between Transport Light point and Railway light point on Madhya Marg on Tuesday.

The traffic flow towards Chandigarh from the side of Panchkula was diverted at Railway Light point and flow towards Panchkula from Chandigarh was diverted at Transport Light point.

The bonnet to bonnet situation was evident between Housing Board light point and Railway light point as hundreds of commuters were being diverted towards IT park roundabout and light point, and towards Industrial Area.

The situation was worst at IT park side as traffic from two directions included from Madhya Marg and Manimajra was meeting at a common point.

Sujata Sharma of sector 8 Panchkula said, "Authorities should be initiated and completed the installation work during night. Initiated such projects during days always cause inconvenience to commuters."

The situation has became nightmare during late evening hours and over 50 traffic police personnel were only deployed for controlling the situation near Grain Market and Transport Light Point, sector 26.

The main problem is being faced by VVIPs convoys and ambulances, which were coming for GMSH-16 and PGI. A traffic policeman, appointed for controlling the traffic, said, "When vehicle queue is over 1km long and ambulance stuck at the opposite side, what can we do? We are making best efforts to ease the traffic flow."

DSP (traffic) Kamaldeep Singh said the installation work will be continuing for next two days more and traffic would be diverted in the same manner. The water pipeline is being installed by water works department of Chandigarh administration. He said the contractor was requested to complete the installation work shortly.

Chandigarh administration has already intimidated traffic police about the installation work and requested to block traffic between railway light point and transport light point.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Water-pipeline-installation-work-mars-traffic-flow-at-Madhya-Marg/articleshow/27861187.cms

Water pipeline project troubles people

KANPUR: The residents of Tilak Nagar area are a troubled lot these days. The Jal Nigam had been conducting the digging of roads for laying of water pipelines. For past one week, the area is in the grip of dust. The locals have started keeping their doors and windows closed to prevent dust from coming inside their houses and settling down on household articles.

The situation is so bad that mounds of mud have been placed just outside the bungalows and the apartments in the area. This has also limited the movement of the people. Traffic jams are frequent in the area.

Under JNNURM, Jal Nigam had dug up the road between Company Bagh crossing and Tilak Nagar crossing. With an expense of Rs 10 crores, 3,200 mm size pipes are being laid. For this work, five metres deep trenches have been dug up. There is a mound of mud outside the houses in the area. The road from Company Bagh crossing to Hanuman Temple near Income Tax Colony has not been made despite the completion of the work of laying of pipes. For past fortnight, the locals are facing problems.

People residing in apartments like Chitrakoot, Ratan Castle, Mona Enclave, Sukh Dham, Vijay Shri and in bungalows are facing problems.

Jal Nigam assistant engineer DN Nautiyal said that from Company Bagh crossing till a nursing home (a distance of nearly 1,150 metres), the pipes are being laid. He said so far 550 metres of pipelines had been laid. The work of laying of pipes will go on for more than a month.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/Water-pipeline-project-troubles-people/articleshow/27780799.cms

Encroachments, sewage killing Delhi’s water bodies

NEW DELHI: A look at the list of water bodies in 10 zones uploaded recently by the Delhi government's Parks and Gardens Society points to the deplorable state of baolis and lakes in the city. Most of them have been encroached upon, dried up or concretized. Those that still hold water have sewage flowing into them.

For this report, data from four zones was considered by TOI. Out of 54 water bodies in the east zone, 18 are dry and 21 have been encroached or built up on. In the south zone, 44 out of 120 water bodies have been encroached upon and eight have sewage entering them. Only the central district boasts a high number of water bodies that have been developed and have a permanent flow.

Many water bodies are also "legally built-up", which means their land use has changed over time. For instance, the south zone has 12 such water bodies. The team that inspected these water bodies recommends rainwater harvesting at these sites. However, many have also been "illegally built-up", and the matter is either pending in court or remains in dispute. Over seven water bodies in the east district have been concretized in this way.

Delhi Parks and Gardens Society gathered lists of water bodies under various agencies over two years before holding ground survey for a precise idea of their status. "It was a tough process as we had to gather data from all agencies. But now that we have an overall idea, we can formulate a plan. For instance, those that have run dry need greening around them to rejuvenate them," S D Singh, chief executive officer, Delhi Parks and Gardens Society, said.

Strangely enough, several water bodies in all zones have simply run dry. "This is because of a low water table along with scanty and erratic rainfall. They will come alive once planting in the catchment area beings and they are freed of encroachments. We have also identified the water bodies needing sewage treatment and how many oxbow lakes have been formed," Singh said.

There are about 1,000 baolis and lakes according to the records compiled from different agencies. The northwest zone with 166 water bodies leads the pack, followed by the north at 156 and the south zone which has 120 water bodies.

TOI had earlier reported that 21 lakes had disappeared from Delhi since 1997-98. Most of these lakes, according to Ritu Singh, scientist at Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, disappeared because of encroachment by real estate projects. According to the 1997-98 data, there were 44 lakes and 355 ponds in Delhi.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Encroachments-sewage-killing-Delhis-water-bodies/articleshow/27764637.cms

Indian waters third worst for pirate attacks

MUMBAI: Merchant navy captain Sunil James may have returned home after five-and-a-half-months in Togo but International Chamber of Commerce's International Maritime Bureau (London) statistics show how waters around the Indian sub-continent are the most dangerous.

James and two Indian crew members were arrested by the Togo police on July 31 on charges of helping pirates who had attacked and looted their Marshalls Island flag vessel, MT Ocean Centurion, around 45 nautical miles southeast of Togo's coastal capital Lome in the Atlantic Ocean on July 16. James, however, said the court there was unable to prove their roles.

The bureau has reported 199 pirate attacks on vessels in the sub-continent's waters in 2006-12. It warned mariners to be extra cautious when transiting from Southeast Asia and the sub-continent (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malacca Straits, Singapore Straits and South China sea), Africa and Red Sea (Africa, Gulf of Aden/Red Sea, Somalia, Ivory Coast, Guinea, The Congo and Egypt), South and Central America and the Caribbean waters (Ecuador) and Rest of the World (Gulf of Oman).

The bureau's 2012 report stated that 2,386 ships from over 97 countries in the merchant shipping business were attacked (2006-12). The seas and oceans around Africa top the chart with 1,228 cases, and Indian waters come third after Southeast Asian waters.

The report said pirates attacked 43 Indian-flag merchant vessels, placing it 11th. Panama topped with 409 ships, Liberia 268 and Singapore 215. There has been an apparent drop in Somali piracy activity, with 297 cases in 2012, after 439 in 2011, and the Gulf of Guinea has replaced the Gulf of Aden as one of the highest-risk zones.

The report warned mariners to be extra cautious while transiting particularly the highly dangerous waters off East and West Africa. "Navies are deterring piracy off Africa's East coast, with pre-emptive strikes and robust action against mother ships of pirates," bureau assistant director Cyrus Mody told TOI in an email on November 15.

Somali pirate attacks cover a vast area, which includes the Gulf of Aden, southern Red Sea, off Yemen, off Oman/ Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, off Somalia, off Kenya, off Tanzania, off Seychelles, off Madagascar, Indian Ocean, off West and South India and off Maldives west coast, the report said. "Even though there is a welcome drop in Somali piracy, the IMB piracy reporting centre continues to monitor the situation and advises vessels to remain vigilant and adhere to latest best management practices, especially as the threat and risk of an attack remains real," the report said.

Piracy is a crime on the high seas against a ship and is for personal gain. Some of these crimes would need a degree of organization. "The apparent drop in Somali piracy activity has shifted the focus to the Gulf of Guinea, which has also been a very high risk area for many years. In the recent past, we have seen an increase in low-level opportunistic attacks at Indonesian ports," said Mody.

The world's only manned centre, which receives and disseminates reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day, urged all shipmasters and owners to report all actual, attempted and suspicious piracy and armed robbery incidents.

The directorate-general of shipping, Mumbai, in a July 7 training circular, decided to include the seafarers' piracy awareness module in the 'security training for seafarers with designated security duties' course. "The training programme will focus on seafarers getting trained on recognition of security risks and threats, knowledge of techniques used to circumvent security measures, including those used by pirates and armed robbers and handling security-related information and communications," the circular said.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indian-waters-third-worst-for-pirate-attacks/articleshow/27761370.cms

India among high risk nations in water stress survey

NEW DELHI: India ranks 41 among 181 countries so far as water stress is concerned and its in the bracket of second high risk nations. The first-ever global water stress rankings by World Resource Institute (WRI) reveals that 37% countries assessed by it experience high to extremely high baseline water stress.

The baseline water stress measures how much water is withdrawn every year from rivers, streams, and shallow aquifers for domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses. Scores above 4 on a scale of 0-5 indicate that, for the average water user, more than 80% of the water available is withdrawn annually. The report says 37 countries including Singapore, Kuwait, Oman and Israel face "extremely high" levels of water stress.

India's baseline water stress is assessed at 3.6, which means the country uses between 40% and 80% of the water available annually. However, when it comes to seasonal variability between months of the year, the situation is worse. For example, during summer season many parts of the country overexploit both surface and ground water due to scarcity and high demand. The average score in this case is 4.2, which is in the high risk zone.

The report indicates how the water usage is very high against the availability during some months across all sectors - agriculture, domestic and industry.

The report says that stable supplies are increasingly hard to come by in many countries, as water-related risks increase. For example, recent droughts threatened GDP growth in the United States and monsoon floods killed hundreds and displaced thousands in India. In China, the increased competition for water may impact energy production, the global institute said.

WRI says that in the case of countries scoring 3-5; companies, farms, and residents are highly dependent on limited amounts of water and vulnerable to even the slightest change in supply. Such situations severely threaten national water security and economic growth - especially if a country does not have adequate water-management plans in place.

However, it says that even extremely high water stress can be managed. The report mentions that though Singapore has the highest water stress ranking of 5 and has no freshwater lakes or aquifers, it has consistently held up as an exceptional water manager. Singapore invests heavily in technology, international agreements, and responsible management, allowing it to meet its freshwater needs. Advanced rainwater capture systems contribute 20% of Singapore's water supply, 40% is imported from Malaysia, grey water reuse adds 30%, and desalination produces the remaining 10% of the supply to meet the country's total demand.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-among-high-risk-nations-in-water-stress-survey/articleshow/27341315.cms

Officials, builders sensitised on RWH, grey water recycling

MADURAI: A one-day workshop on rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling was organized for the municipal officials and builders in the city on Friday.

The objective behind holding the workshop was to sensitise the officials and builders in promoting rainwater harvesting methods and grey water recycling methods in the town planning since the ground water level is depleting at an alarming level. Harnessing the ground water as the complete source of water is a wrong concept and deep bore wells will pump out the unfit water, experts said.

The rainwater will percolate only up to shallow water table but the bore wells are sunk to deep water table which will exhaust after some time. The shallow water table has to be harnessed and recharged with the rain water for which the open well system will be very useful, Sekhar Raghavan, director of Rain Centre, Chennai advocated. The open well system is superior to rainfall pits since the latter will get silted in two years time and could not be de-silted easily. "We are promoting to maintain the open wells and not to abandon such wells which were the important source of water once. The open wells will be beneficial to recharge the shallow water table as well," he said.

J Kanagavalli of DHAN foundation said that there is an urgent need to harness the rainwater for the drinking water needs of the city. Madurai city, once rich with temple tanks and village tanks is fast losing its water bodies and efforts should be taken to sensitise the public and officials on rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling, she said.

The workshop was held at DHAN foundation and 36 participated and most of them were the town planning officials from Madurai region that consists of various municipalities like Sivaganga, Bodi, Theni, Dindigul, Ramanathapuram, Rameswaram. Representatives from Builders Association of India also participated.

V Ramachandran, former president of the association said that the rainwater harvesting should be established in letter and spirit. "Most of the establishments and buildings are provided rainwater harvesting facilities for namesake. We are taking efforts to sensitise our customers but there should be large scale public awareness measures in this regard," he said.

The workshop was organized by ARGHYAM, a Bangalore-based NGO working on water and sanitation projects. The organization has sponsored 15 workshops across the state and six such workshops were held in Chennai itself. Coimbatore, Trichy and Madurai were planned with three workshops each and they are holding the second workshop in Madurai itself, said Raghavan.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Officials-builders-sensitised-on-RWH-grey-water-recycling/articleshow/27317676.cms

Mother throws two sons in water tank, jumps to death

JAIPUR: The bodies of 25-year-old Champa Kanwar and her two sons were found floating in a water tank near her in-laws' house in Bhankrota area's Sirsi village on Friday. Police said prima-facie, the woman had thrown her children aged 4 and 2 years into the tank and then plunged into it. The police are yet to ascertain as to why she took the extreme step.

Champa lived with her husband, two kids and her in-laws. "Bodies of Champa and her children were found floating in the water tank of an under-construction building near her house in the village. By the time the police reached, the villagers and family members had fished out the bodies," said the officer.

Police said prima-facie, it seems Champa had committed suicide.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Mother-throws-two-sons-in-water-tank-jumps-to-death/articleshow/27317036.cms

Kozhikode corporation collects water samples

KOZHIKODE: The Kozhikode corporation (health-wing) has started collecting water samples from sources situated in the premises of marriage halls following reports of hepatitis A outbreak in the corporation limit.

The civic body decided to act after councillors protested in the council meeting held on December 10 for not taking any steps to check the quality of drinking water at marriage functions.

Hepatitis A cases have been reported from Mugadhar, Pallikandy and Kuttichira. The health inspectors will submit the report at a meeting to be held at the corporation on December 16 to chalk out remedial measures. More than 50 cases of hepatitis A have been reported in the three wards of the corporation so far. The health wing has also started intensive awareness campaign on the need of drinking hot water along with chlorination process of wells in these areas.

According to State level Integrated Diseases Surveillance report, the district had reported 1,782 hepatitis A cases.

Janamma Kunjunni, corporation health standing committee chairperson said that the health inspectors have asked to submit the report of water samples taken from marriage halls on December 16.

"The hepatitis A cases were reported due to the mixing of drinking water with drainage water as the KWA drinking pipeline is passing through drainages at Kundungal, Kuttichira, Parappil, Mugadhar and Pallikandy. The issue can be solved only if the KWA replaces the old pipelines laid 40 years ago to supply drinking water. Public should take steps to consume the water only after boiling it, which is the major reason for the spread of hepatitis A,'' said Kunjunni. While deputy mayor P T Abdul Latheef said that the civic body will seek the help of experts at the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management in case of an emergency.

Refuting the claim of the city corporation, Kerala Water Authority executive engineer M Hameed said the assistant executive engineer already conducted site visit and preliminary information revealed that there was no leakage on drinking water pipelines. "KWA has taken water samples from the said areas to test the quality of water and to confirm whether the mixing of drinking water with drainage water occurred or not,'' he said.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Kozhikode-corporation-collects-water-samples/articleshow/27316790.cms

MPT says no to Mhadei water diversion

PANAJI: Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) officials opposed the diversion of the Mhadei river as it will affect the economy of the state and lead to siltation in Rivers Mandovi and Zuari.

The Mhadei water dispute tribunal team on Friday visited MPT to seek its view on the diversion of River Mhadei. Speaking to TOI, MPT chairman Mara Pandiyan said that they explained to the team that the total iron ore movement to the ports is done through these two main rivers of the state. "Any curtailment of the water level will certainly affect the navigation of barges coming to ports," he added. Pandiyan also said "We have strongly opposed any diversion of water from the Mhadei basin."

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/MPT-says-no-to-Mhadei-water-diversion/articleshow/27315804.cms

NHAI work hits water, sewage system on Koradi Road

NAGPUR: Hundreds of families residing in Zingabai Takli and adjoining localities have been left to face a number of problems due to improper planning and lack of coordination between Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Water supply to the localities has been hit every other day and the sewage system has been destroyed due to the construction of railway overbridge (RoB) from Mankapur Ring Road Square to the railway crossing. No precautions have been taken to protect the civic infrastructure during digging and other works, say residents.

Corporator Arun Daware lodged a complaint with municipal commissioner Shyam Wardhane on Friday, requesting action against NHAI for depriving citizens of basic amenities and destruction of civic property. Alleging that NHAI's adamant attitude is causing serious inconvenience to around 30,000 citizens, Daware told TOI that the drinking water pipeline has been damaged at least 70 times in the 400 meter stretch from Mankapur Ring Road Square to the railway crossing.

"Citizens are forced to manage without water for two-three days almost every week as repair works take time. Another major problem is damage to sewage system. Ponds of sewage water can be seen in many spots due to the damaged sewage lines, causing mosquito menace and foul smell," he said.

Describing the brazen violations, Daware said the NHAI contractor has blocked a big nullah crossing Koradi Road resulting in a lake of sewage water there. "The contractor laid three pipes of two feet width to clear the nullah water. However, the water has stagnated there and accumulated in one spot, resulting in spread of vector-borne diseases. I lodged complaints with NHAI and also NMC many times in the past, but no one has paid any attention. The civic chief requested the district administration to take action against NHAI under disaster management rules, but those directions remain on paper. I will move the court if this continues," he said.

Source - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/NHAI-work-hits-water-sewage-system-on-Koradi-Road/articleshow/27315779.cms

State announces 312 projects, conservation of water gets priority

CHENNAI: The poor northeast monsoon in the last couple of years has prompted the state government to announce a slew of projects to conserve water through construction of check dams, artificial recharge structures, repairs, renovation and restoration of tanks as drinking water sources. Chief minister J Jayalalithaa made 312 announcements, including on infrastructure and welfare projects, during the concluding session of the collectors' meet here.

While the last season was bad, the monsoon which arrived on October 22 this year has not brought any cheer to the state. Tamil Nadu is deficient by 32% for the period between October 1 and December 11. Except Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Nilgiris, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari, the rest of the state continued to suffer from the deficiency. As per regional meteorological data, TN recorded 27.3cm of rain in the current season, against the normal average of 40cm.

Days after directing collectors to gear up to counter unforeseen natural calamities, Jayalalithaa announced that various conservation projects and water supply schemes would be taken up for the benefit of the people. More than eight tanks in Tiruvarur will be renovated, and tanks, anaicuts and supply channels will be renovated in four places in Trichy.

About 1,200 small drinking water tanks will be renovated in Ramanathapuram. Desilting will be taken up in Kamalalayam tank in Tiruvarur and 755 panchayat union tanks and 437 former zamin tanks in Ramanathapuram will be renovated. She also announced check dams in Madurai, Tiruvallur and Dindigul.

"Conservation projects will have to have people's participation to make it a success. They have to keep water sources clean and protected," said K Karunakaran, former vice-chancellor, Anna University.

Source - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/State-announces-312-projects-conservation-of-water-gets-priority/articleshow/27314835.cms

Youth saves village from toxic water, feted by CM

CHENNAI: The thought of an entire village consuming poisoned water gives him the shivers even now, he says.

S Vijay, the 17-year-old son of a Dharmapuri farmer, saved 15,000 people in his native village of Pikkili, and 17 other villages in the panchayat of the same name, in Dharmapuri district, from drinking toxic water. Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa on Monday honoured him with a cash award of Rs 1 lakh.

Vijay works for a firm that distributes water from a sump in Melkottai village to 18 villages in the panchayat.

"I wasn't well on the morning of November 9, so my mother helped me get to the sump because I had to close the valve," Vijay says. "The smell was obnoxious near the sump."

Vijay and his mother grew suspicious when they spotted a powdery substance on the path leading to the sump. They found traces of the substance even on the granite slabs covering the sump. "The water also smelled foul so I suspected that someone had put poison in the sump," Vijay says. Tests later proved him right: A laboratory confirmed that a highly toxic rodenticide had been mixed in the water.

Losing no time, Vijay alerted the pump operator in Thirumalvadi village, asking him to stop distribution of water from the overhead tanks that received water from the sump. He also informed Pikkili panchayat president Vasuki Ayyappan about the alarming discovery by calling her husband, C Ayyappan.

The 2 lakh litre sump, which receives water under the Hogennakkal Water Supply and Fluorosis Mitigation Project, supplies water to 11 overhead tanks for distribution to 18 villages.

The warning came just in time: The tank operators were to start distribution to street pumps in just an hour.

"Vijay is the saviour of Pikkili. We are alive because of him," Ayyappan says. Residents of the panchayat's villages were elated about the chief minister honouring the boy. "It is a proud moment for all of us because Vijay saved thousands of lives and his achievement has been recognised by Jayalalithaa," says Muthu, a resident of Periyur.

The panchayat resumed water supply only after the sump and overhead tanks were thoroughly cleaned. The panchayat has lodged a complaint with the Papparapatti police, seeking action against the culprits who poisoned the water.

Source - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Youth-saves-village-from-toxic-water-feted-by-CM/articleshow/27199068.cms

War of words over water quality test

KOZHIKODE: The Kozhikode corporation council meeting witnessed heated exchange between the opposition and ruling councillors over the absence of a mechanism to check the quality of drinking water being used at the marriage halls to prepare food.

The meeting was chaired by mayor A K Premajam on Tuesday.

The issue came up in the wake of outbreak of hepatitis B and malaria from various parts of the district.

The mayor agreed to hold a meeting with the Kerala Water Authority(KWA) to take steps to avoid leakage of water in distribution lines to avoid mixing of drinking water with drainage water.

The heated exchange occurred when a joint calling attention motion on spread of hepatitis B and malaria in the various parts moved in the council by K P Abdulla Koya of UDF and Muzafir Ahmmed of CPM came up for discussion at the council.

Abdulla Koya, inviting the attention of mayor, said that four marriage halls were there in the Kuttichira ward. One case of malaria and around 50 hepatitis B cases have been reported in the Kuttichira ward alone. Ahmmed said that a total of 20 persons detected with hepatitis B cases have been admitted to various hospitals in the city. The civic body authorities should take steps to carry out effective preventive measures strengthening the health wing.

The KWA line is situated next to the drainage and the leakage results in mixing up of the drinking water with polluted water, which is the one of the reasons for the spread of hepatitis B.

Health standing committee chairperson Janamma Kunjunni said that the civic body has already taken steps to carry out chlorination."At present the civic body does not have any mechanism to check the quality of water being supplied from Manannchira reservoir and water being used by marriage halls.

The rift occurred when deputy opposition leader Muhammed Ali alleged that the health standing committee chairperson is giving irresponsible reply and the civic body should act fast to check the quality of water being supplied to various parts of the city since it's a matter pertaining to the health of public. The heated exchange of words occurred when Ahmmed said that Muhammed Ali is trying to divert the issue.

The mayor then said that steps will be taken to find a solution as the civic body does not have a facility to check quality of drinking water being used in its limit. In reply to a question raised by UDF councillor N C Moyin Kutty on how many residential flats above 15m are there in the city, the mayor said that there are 69 such flats. And a detailed report on the number of houses in these flats will be given after conducting a survey.

Source - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/War-of-words-over-water-quality-test/articleshow/27199357.cms

City draws water projects for 25 years

SURAT: Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has conceptualized two projects, which will take care of the water needs of the city for another 25 years. At present, 900 million litres per day (MLD) of water is being supplied for 46.4 lakh people living in the city. In the next 10 years, the city population is expected to touch 80 lakh and it will be 1.20 crore in 2026 when the Surat-Navsari twin city concept is a reality. The water requirement of the city will be 1,600 MLD after 10 years and 2,100 MLD by 2026. The two projects would take off in the next five years.

"We have given approval to Gujarat Engineering Research Institute (GERI) and also sanctioned Rs 31 lakh for managing a balloon barrage model upstream of Tapi river near ONGC Bridge. The project aims to create an artificial reservoir to store 20 million cubic metre (MCM) of water at any given time," SMC standing committee chairman Rajesh Desai said.

The balloon barrage would be built after we receive a report from GERI. The project will cost SMC Rs 170 crore. SMC has also decided to lay a 58-km long pipeline of 2-metre width from Kakrapar Weir to Surat. About 450 MLD of water would be pumped through it on a daily basis. This project will cost SMC about Rs 500 crore. WEBCOS, a Delhi-based consulting firm, has given its report on the project. The SMC is awaiting state government approval before floating the tenders for it

Source - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/City-draws-water-projects-for-25-years/articleshow/27198722.cms

Lawyers demand re-opening of swimming pool

AURANGABAD: The advocates swimming association on Thursday urged the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation to open its Siddhartha swimming pool for public at the earliest. The civic body has closed the pool for the past several months.

Satish Varma, secretary of the association, said theAMC had been doing repair work of the pool from February 2013. "We have repeatedly urged the administration to speed up the work and open the pool for public. Every time the authorities say that the repair work is in the final stages and that it will open in 15-20 days. It is one of the best pools in the city," he said.

Abhay Deshmukh, manager of the Siddhartha swimming pool, said that the pool was closed only for repairs.

"The facility was started in May 1994 and since then we never closed it. However, the pool has now developed technical problems in its water filter system, besides leakages in some parts. The work is going on and it will be soon over," he said.

Deshmukh added that the pool would be opened by the end of December.

The pool is located in the heart of the city on the premises of Siddhartha Garden and Zoo.

The Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University's pool on its campus is also non-operational for the past four years.

Source - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/Lawyers-demand-re-opening-of-swimming-pool/articleshow/26980755.cms

4 water board officials to get notices

HYDERABAD: Four HMWS&SB officials, including two deputy GMs and two managers, are likely to get show-cause notices for failure to identify illegal water connections and disconnect them.

HMWS&SB managing director J Shyamala Rao on Monday directed GM, O&M Division-X (Saheb Nagar), Mohd Gulam Ahmed to issue show-cause notices to four officials -- deputy GMs (E) A S Sunil Kumar and P Srinivas Reddy and managers (E) G Sambaiah and M Mahender -- on Tuesday.

The Water Board chief on Monday inspected a few multi-storied buildings in Alkapuri and Vaishali Nagar and found that they were drawing water illegally despite connection of supply. The managing director, who was furious over the negligence of officials, asked the circle inspector, HMWS&SB police station, to lodge criminal cases against the customers who had reopened the disconnected water connections, with law and order police.

Source - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/4-water-board-officials-to-get-notices/articleshow/27148634.cms

Bangalore: Water adalat to settle customers' disputes

BANGALORE: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) water adalat of Central-2 sub division will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 from 9.30am to 11am in the office of the assistant executive engineer, Central-2.

The adalat will settle grievances connected to water billing, delay in giving water supply and sanitary connection, delay in conversion from non-domestic to domestic connection and other related issues.

The disputes of customers of High Grounds (HGR) and Coles Park service station of Central-2 Sub division will be heard and settled at the adalat.

The concerned officials can be contacted on telephone numbers 22945187, 22945191 or BWSSB 24/7 call centre no. 22238888.

Grievance meet will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 between 7 am to 9.30 am in Ideal Homes, RT Nagar and Peenya service Station.

Source - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Bangalore-Water-adalat-to-settle-customers-disputes/articleshow/27139022.cms

Urban areas need to look for alternate sources of drinking water

Observing that reservation of water for drinking purposes in urban areas was affecting the agricultural potential of the areas under Nashik and Ahmednagar districts, the superintendent engineer of the Nashik's Command Areas Development Authority, water resource department, M K Pokale said that time has come to maintain the sanctity of irrigation dams. In a conversation with Abhilash Botekar, he suggested that the local authorities should look for alternative sources of water for urban areas. Excerpts:

When dams have been built for storing water for the public, why is there a hue and cry over drinking water?

It is a common belief that the dams are constructed for storing water for drinking purposes for urban areas. But that is not the case. Dams were constructed for increasing the irrigational capacity in the country at a time when the cities actually flourished on the banks of rivers. All the 23 medium and big dams in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts are for irrigation purposes, with Bhandaradara, Darna and Nilwande dams built for rain-shadow regions of Ahmednagar districts, and the remaining for Nashik. Considering today's demand for drinking water in urban areas, most of which is turned into polluted water unfit to be re-used for agriculture purpose, it is a tremendous loss to the establishment of the irrigation dams.

Are there dams reserved exclusively for drinking water?

No. The priority has always been to create dams for irrigation purpose. The water released during rotation was used to fill up minor irrigation tanks, wells and ponds on the way and the same water was drawn for drinking purpose as well. However, because of urbanisation, there istremendous load on water reservation for drinking. While we have some dams exclusively reserved for Mumbai's drinking water purpose, there are no such dams in Nashik, Ahmednagar or even in Auranagabad. The dams are heavily dependent on rainfall. Kikvi dam is the only dam that was being proposed to be reserved only for non-irrigational purposes, but the lack of funds has stalled the project. While compensation for the land and construction has been worked out, unless more funds are released, the work is not going to move ahead.

How much water is reserved for drinking purpose?

It should be kept in mind that 615 million cubic feet (mcft) of water from the Gangapur complex - Gangapur, Gautami Godavari and Kashyapi rivers - is reserved for drinking purpose for theNashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) and surrounding areas. On an average, the drinking water quota consumes nearly 35% of the installed capacity of the dams in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts and since this water is drawn from the irrigation quota, water reserved under irrigation is shrinking.

Is this affecting the agricultural productivity of the region?

Yes. Obviously, increase in reservation for non-irrigational purpose is reducing the water for irrigation, which in turn, is affecting the agricultural productivity of the region. Though there are instances where more land is being brought under irrigation, it is not directly under irrigation facilities but by way of drawing water from wells or underground - which is again limited because of the depleting underground water level.

Why does Nashik have too many dams?

Nashik has the maximum number of dams in the state - minor, medium and large. They have been constructed to tap water in every possible area, which is helping the water distribution system in the region, allowing irrigation and drinking water to the areas in the three districts - Nashik and Ahmednagar on priority and Aurangabad to some extent. Both Nashik and Ahmednagar districts under the CADA are water-stressed and depend heavily on rainfall. The region gets average monsoon rainfall between 400mm and 6,000mm. Nine out of 15 talukas of Nashik district and all the 14 talukas of Ahmednagar (which has vast area)are drought-prone. Besides, these areas have witnessed the maximum urbanisation and hence the water needs exceed far more than that in other areas.

Where does the region draw water from?

The Nashik region draws water from four basins - Krishna, Godavari, Tapi and the west-flowing rivers. As much as 50% of the Nashik district (15,530 sq km) gets water from the Godavari basin while the Tapi basin fulfills the water requirement of 36% of the district and the remaining 14% of water comes from the west-flowing rivers, including Daman Ganga and Par. Similarly, Ahmednagar district (17,034 sq km) gets 64% of water from the Godavari river and 36% from the Krishna river.

What are the major challenges in providing water to farmers during off season?

The major challenge is water thefts. There are numerous farmers who have laid pipelines clandestinely over several kilometres that source water from the bed of the canals. This is not a new phenomenon, but the amount of water stolen during the last year's (March 2013) rotation from Palkhed complex, comprising three major dams, only brought to the fore the magnanimity of the theft. This forced the water resource department (WRD) to carryout a special exercise of plucking out pipelines installed in the bed of the canals. Nearly 1,000 such illegal connections were plucked out. This menace is unique only to Nashik district; in Ahmednagar, there are very few such incidents.

What are the measures to tackle water theft?

Unfortunately, there is no comprehensive master plan to curb theft during rotation. We can only create awareness about water conservation, using traditional methods of irrigation and water measurements, among other things. In order to curb the nuisance, the department has decided to set up strict vigilance on the division basis and to install water meters to know the exact amount of water supplied, among other measures.

What are the measures to improve water usage among farmers?

The water users' associations - groups of farmers - take over the operations and maintenance of the water distribution system from the WRD. It is the best and most democratic manner in which water can be managed efficiently. We are trying to bring in more number of farmers along the canals into this group to help maintain and minimize losses. These activities have also helped farmers opt for drips and sprinklers for irrigation purpose that further reduce water intake as well as lower the usage of fertilizers and pesticides. It is a win-win situation for farmers.

How is the issue of water audit being taken up?

With the equitable water distribution under the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority, Nashik and Ahmednagar regions are under tremendous pressure to release water for Jayakwadi dam, which is very big. This means that it will further affect the water stored in the dams upstream of the Godavari and as such, the urban areas lying upstream are going to be affected whenever such situations arise. Though there are a number of public interests litigations admitted in various high courts and the Supreme Court, it is time that water conservation tops priority in every area - rural or urban, agricultural or non-agricultural. This has further laid stress on recycling of water for all purposes, which has to be taken up by the respective agencies

Source - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/Urban-areas-need-to-look-for-alternate-sources-of-drinking-water/articleshow/27098549.cms

Barley water, the best beverage

We are in the health-conscious era. So obsessed we are about our health and fitness that we don't mind reading even disputed theories about health benefits for all we want is to somehow be fit and fine.

Slowly, people are waking up to the fact that home remedies are any day better compared to chemical products. So here's something that has existed since our ancestor's times, but we have given it a royal ignore. Wonder what it is? Well, it's the barley seeds. The moment you say barley, the first thing that comes to your mind is beer. But have you ever wondered how healthy barley itself is? The best thing is the seeds are available throughout the year and is the cheapest among all cereals. Here are ways in which you can consume barley.

Yes, you have heard that before. Drinking beer has always made you run to the loo a little more frequently than you generally do. Drinking barley water, on the other hand, also induces increased urination which means it flushes out the toxins in the body.

Barley water is hence the best medicine when you have a Urinary Tract Infection. Boil a table spoon of barley seeds in a litre of water. Bring down the quantity to half and keep consuming barley water through out the day.

Barley water also brings down the heat content in the body. In some countries, people consume barley rice during summer for its cooling properties.

- It also works as an excellent substitute to aerated drinks to quench your thirst.
- Barley water also helps reduce burning sensation in the stomach as it's a cooling agent
- Barley water also prevents urine from stinking. This works in case of pregnant women or patients who are on hormone tablets.
- Regular consumption of barley water cleanses your kidney and keeps it free of toxins.
- If you don't enjoy the bland taste, then you could add a dash of lemon to the drink

A study conducted by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that the fiber that comes from barley water lowers cholesterol. Hence, this is a must-have drink for fitness freaks.

The insoluble fiber is also known to help women prevent formation of gallstones. Barley water also cuts risk of Type-2 diabetes. The antioxidants in barley prevents cancerous growths. Consume a glass of hot barley water everyday for better digestion and fight constipation or feeling of nausea.

Regular consumption of barley water has shown to help weight loss too.

With its many benefits, barley water is definitely the best beverage. The next time you reach for a bottle of aerated drink, you know what's more healthier.

Source - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food/drinks-corner/Barley-water-the-best-beverage/articleshow/9635941.cms

Bangalore water board to conduct water adalat on December 9 at Kottanura Dinne

BANGALORE: For the benefit of thousands of customers living in the south-2 sub division,the Bangalore water supply and sewerage board (BWSSB ) will be holding a 'water adalat' on December 9.

The adalat will be held in the office of the Assistant Executive Engineer, Kottanur Dinne. The disputes of customers residing in Jaya Prakash Nagar-2, Kottanur Dinne, Vijaya Bank layout service station coming under south-2 sub division will be heard and settled at the adalat.

Customers can submit their grievances in relation to defects in water billing, delay in giving water supply and sanitary connection, delay in conversion from non domestic to domestic connection and other related issues.

The general public can contact executive engineer south:080- 22945143, assistant executive engineer of South-2 sub-division 080-22945267. For further details BWSSB 24/7 Call Centre no 080-22238888 can be contacted.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Bangalore-water-board-to-conduct-water-adalat-on-December-9-at-Kottanura-Dinne/articleshow/27032309.cms

New drinking water supply project for Mysore is faulty, feel experts

MYSORE: Rs 886 crore new water supply project planned for the city from the backwaters of KRS dam under the second phase of JNNURM scheme appears not only "impractical", it is also "unfeasible", according to experts who aired their opinion at a meeting summoned here to discuss pros and cons of the project and its benefits to the city.

It was revealed at the meeting that state urban development department on Saturday submitted a project report on how it will utilize the funds for the drinking water project along with the other details. Experts at the meeting revealed that as per the new project water supply department has been directed to close all the existing 7 water supply points and supply water from a single point .

Based on this the water supply experts have sought permission to set up a pumping station at 3.5 kms on the upstream of Cauvery in the backwaters of KRS dam and supply water from there to city.

Speaking on the project Association of Concerned and Informed Citizens of Mysore (ACICM) convenor M Lakshman said first the idea to accept the shut down of all the existing seven water supply stations itself is wrong and detrimental to the citizens interests and second the pumping station planned on the backwaters is unfeasible and threat to the safety of the KRS dam.

Lakshman said the new pumping station has to lift water from a Jack well built 28m below the normal ground level and to pump water from this point the authorities have to build an underground 600 mts aqua duct passing through the solid underground rock formation.

"Neither water supply authorities have sought the experts opinion on the rock drilling nor they have got clearance from the irrigation department," he pointed out and said drilling of the rock formation to cut the rock to build the Jack well and aqua duct will ultimately pose danger to the dam.

Irrigation expert and retired engineer in chief of state government Vijay Raghavan supporting Lakshman's view said it is foolhardy to think of drilling the rock adjoining the dam to build a Jack well and aqua duct as it is a single rock formation .

It was pointed out that closure of the existing seven pumping stations will make the people to suffer in the event of any snag at the new station as the whole city will depend on a single source . Now if there is any problem in one station the water supply remains unaffected with the other stations making up the loss the meeting was revealed.

It was revealed that the water department officials have kept this project a closely guarded secret for the reasons best known to them and have not consulted the elected representatives or the MCC.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/New-drinking-water-supply-project-for-Mysore-is-faulty-feel-experts/articleshow/27032729.cms

New Pench-IV water plant to cost 72% more

NAGPUR: Amid weak financial condition, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to bear additional cost of Rs21 crore on new Pench-IV water treatment plant, which is under construction at Godhni. The cost has increased from approved Rs29.05 crore to Rs50 crore (72%) following inordinate delay in completing the project. Bafflingly, the civic body is constructing the plant on PPP model and will have to pay back the investment made by the operator along with operation and maintenance charges for 10 years.

Mayor Anil Sole along with ruling party leader Pravin Datke, chairman of water works committee Sudhakar Kohle, superintending engineer Prakash Urade and others inspected the project work on Saturday. After the visit, Kohle in a press conference said that Sole has directed the officials to complete the project by January-end. "City will get additional 115 million litres per day (MLD) water with commencement of the plant from February. Around 3.50 lakh population in West, South-West, South and Central Nagpur will be benefited," he said.

On the project cost, Kohle said it was increased to Rs50 crore from Rs30 crore approved earlier. "Project cost escalated due to inordinate delay in the works. The project faced many hurdles, including delay in acquisition of land from farmers, permissions from various departments. However, 90% project is complete," he added.

According to the NMC's monthly progress report of JNNURM projects, the Pench-IV plant is a part of Pench-IV water supply project - part-2 was approved by the centre on December 28, 2006. In fact, the NMC is facing additional cost of Rs48.08 crore on the entire project. The approved cost was Rs61.96 crore and it increased to Rs110.04 crore during the work order stage. According to the report, the project was to be completed in November 2012.

Most shockingly, the water treatment plant too is being constructed on PPP model but it was revealed only now at the press conference by Kohle. "Veolia Water is the PPP operator who will also operate and maintain the plant," he said.

According to details given in the report, the NMC went on to execute the entire Pench-IV water supply project on PPP model but could not receive any response.

A senior NMC official revealed some startling facts behind the PPP project. "The treatment plant will cost Rs50 crore, of which Rs20.33 crore will come from the Centre and state governments. NMC was supposed to spend its share of Rs8.71 crore. Veolia Water will invest the NMC's share and also escalation amount of Rs21 crore. NMC will have to pay back Veolia Water total Rs30 crore in 10 years. Besides, the NMC will also pay Rs30 crore to Veolia Water for operation and maintenance of the plant for 10 years," he said.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/New-Pench-IV-water-plant-to-cost-72-more/articleshow/27040530.cms

Electricity bill enough to get new water connection

HYDERABAD: Come January 1 and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) will simply norms for obtaining new water connections for half-inch (15 mm) domestic pipelines.

"According to the new norm, the applicant can produce a bill issued by the Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Ltd (APCPDCL) as proof to get new connection. Till now, the board had been insisting on xerox copies of either the registered sale deed, gift deed, lease deed, house site patta, assessment receipt from GHMC or Aadhaar card as proof. In some cases, the applicants did not possess any of these documents," a senior Water Board official told STOI. With the latest relaxation of norms, the applicant has to only file an affidavit (indemnity bond) on Rs 100 non-judicial stamp paper duly notarized along with the power bill, he said.

Chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who is also chairman of the Water Board, accorded permission for this relaxation during the recent board meeting. The same relaxation would also be applicable for regularization of illegal connections (15mm). But they would have to pay Rs 300 as service charge, Rs 200 as normal connection charges and unmetered consumption charges for three months at the tariff rate applicable.

In case, tenants want to obtain a new water connection, he/she would have to produce a 'no objection' from the property owner. However, the water connection would be sanctioned and a 'customer account number' generated in the name of the property owner, the official said.

Though the Water Board is not in a position to supply adequate water to its 8.06 lakh customers, they have decided to encourage new connections. The board has been supplying 331 MGD per day against the demand of 340 MGD.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Electricity-bill-enough-to-get-new-water-connection/articleshow/27047155.cms

Hike in water rates will affect investments

THANE: Complaining against the recent 31% increase in water rates and rising price of power supplied to industrial units in MIDC area, the Chamber of Small Industry Association has warned that such decisions will discourage investments in the sector in Maharashtra

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thane/Hike-in-water-rates-will-affect-investments/articleshow/27008656.cms

Boy drowns in city corporation's swimming pool

MANGALORE: A 13 year-old boy drowned in Mangalore City Corporation Swimming pool. The boy was taken to hospital immediately, but the doctors declared him brought dead.

The deceased has been identified as Sohan (13), a student and resident of Boloor in the city. Eyewitnesses told TOI that the boy, who was not proficient in swimming, lost balance and started sinking. Seeing him screaming for help, the swimming pool staff and others swung into action and fished him out of the pond immediately.

He was taken to a nearby hospital in a car. Since, his condition was serious, the boy was later taken to AJ Hospital.

Sources in AJ Hospital told TOI that the boy was brought dead. Barke police registered a case.

Source - TOI - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Boy-drowns-in-city-corporations-swimming-pool/articleshow/24709876.cms