Kolhapur : Water cuts came into effect in areas under the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) from Friday following the state water resources department’s directive to impose a 10% cut in water supply.
Meanwhile, municipal commissioner Rajendra Bharud said gram panchayats on the city’s outskirts, which receive water supply from the KMC, owe the civic body Rs 8.8 crore, including principal and late payment charges. Out of this, the principal amount stands at Rs 2.2crore while late payment charges account for Rs 6.6 crore. During the meeting, Bharud reviewed the status of the arrears and directed the gram panchayats to settle the outstanding amounts and said these dues have remained pending for the last 15 years. It is worth noting that while the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran charges between Rs 23 and Rs 24 per 1,000 liters for water supply, the KMC charges only Rs 15 per 1,000 liters. “A special drive to recover dues from gram panchayats will commence on Nov 1.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolhapur | Silver Rate in Kolhapur | Bank Holidays in Kolhapur | Public Holidays in Kolhapur Stay updated with the latest Kolhapur news.
Still, the gram panchayats have failed to clear their dues,” said Bharud. A proposal regarding concessions on late payment penalties (surcharges) would be placed before the general body for a decision,” Bharud said. “The gram panchayats do make some payments by the end of March. But these funds are primarily applied towards late payment charges, leaving the original principal amount largely unpaid. Reduced rainfall may cause water scarcity in the near future, making recovery of outstanding dues essential to maintain uninterrupted water supply. Extension officers for gram panchayats have been directed to hold meetings in their respective villages and prepare plans for payment of principal amounts. The commissioner has also ordered action to curb unauthorised water connections in gram panchayat areas and against those responsible. Download the TOI App.
The KMC currently lifts 200 MLD of water daily to supply the city and adjoining suburbs. From Friday, the civic body will lift 180 MLD. Bharud warned that if the gram panchayats fail to pay 50% of the outstanding principal amount by Oct 31, their water supply will be disconnected. He further directed that an additional 25% of the dues be paid by the end of Dec and the remaining 25% by the end of March.
The administration is also considering an alternate-day water supply system for Kolhapur city after the Diwali period. A meeting regarding the recovery of these outstanding water dues was held at the commissioner’s office, attended by the additional chief executive officer, deputy chief executive officer (gram panchayat) and the extension officers for the gram panchayats.