Jamshedpur Congress threatens indefinite protest over Moharda water woes

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Apr 25: In response to the persistent water crisis under the Moharda water supply scheme, a high-level tripartite meeting was held on Friday, spearheaded by JNAC Deputy Municipal Commissioner Krishna Kumar. Congress District President Anand Bihari Dubey, leading a party delegation, raised five pressing issues, warning of a large-scale protest if solutions are not implemented promptly.

One of the key issues raised was the arbitrary water connection charges, which Dubey said varied unfairly based on the consumer’s distance from main pipelines. In response, Jusco officials agreed to survey uncovered areas and promised pipeline extensions to curb connection costs.

Water quality was another serious concern. Jusco admitted that pollution at the source was due to untreated sewage discharge. They committed to preparing a Detailed Project Report for filtration plants and initiating tenders for permanent purification systems. The Deputy Commissioner directed Jusco to undertake an immediate survey and ensure improvement measures.

The Congress team also demanded free water connections for economically weak households, including those without BPL cards. Officials agreed to form a joint JNAC-Jusco team to identify such families living in temporary shelters.

Dubey criticized the delay in water connections despite fee payments months earlier. The Deputy Commissioner instructed Jusco to ensure connections are provided within 30 days of payment.

In the worst-hit “dry zones” like Babudih, Lalbhatta and Gwala Basti, Dubey highlighted severe hardships due to non-functional borewells and delayed pipeline work. Officials assured faster progress to ensure household-level water delivery.

Issuing a stern warning, Dubey said, “If visible action isn’t taken soon, the Congress will launch an indefinite mahagherao at JNAC and Jusco offices. The administration alone will be accountable.”

Several Congress members and top officials were present during the meeting.