Water woes continue to torment Rajkotians

The situation is a grim reminder of the consecutive five drought years of 90’s.

But unlike in the last decade,this time water is hard to get by despite paying huge money.

Following depleting water level in local reservoirs and insufficient Narmada water supplied from Sardar Sarovar Nigam Limited,the Rajkot Municipal Corporation currently supplies water to the citizens for only 20 minutes and that too on alternate days.

The alternate day water cut is in force in the city since May-end. And,with further delay in rains,the RMC is contemplating two-day cut.

The water level in Aji-I,Nyari-I,Bhadar,Nyari-II and Aji-II is about to hit the bottom. Though it is the beginning of July,the city has so far received only 1to 1.5 inch rain.

The average rainfall in Rajkot is 38-40 inches.

“We are four members in the family and in no way we can manage with just 20-minute water supply on alternate days. With no option left,we have to buy water from private suppliers.

Every fortnight,we pay Rs 400 for a 3,500-litre tanker,said Jyoti Kanani,a housewife.

But what Kanani said further is a major concern for the people of Rajkot. “Water is hardly available in market. We have to book for it with a private supplier at-least four days in advance.”

“Last week it was my daughter’s marriage. We were left high and dry without water. Despite paying huge sums,the suppliers were ready to provide a tanker only after 3-4 days,” said a citizen.

“There’s no underground water left. Our sources are wells and bore-wells,

most of which are located in farm houses in and around Rajkot city. But our sources are drying up fast,” said Bhimabhai Patel,a private water supplier. He added,“We expect customers to wait at-least for 4-5 days.”

“During the earlier droughts,at-least private tankers were available easily.

This time the situation is getting extremely difficult,” said Purshottam Singala,a businessman.