AURANGABAD: With the parallel water pipeline project cleared by the chief minister, all households within the municipal limits are only a year away from the installation of water meters, making them accountable for each drop of water they utilise. The move will also axe illegal water connections within the city limits. According to an estimate, the city has close to 50% illegal water connections.

AMC's decision to lay parallel pipeline from Jayakwadi for solving the water demands of the fast developing city and proposal to install water meters in every household has been facing stiff opposition. The Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) used to charge Rs 1,800 per annum form each household for half inch diametre water pipeline. These charges were increased to Rs 2,500 per annum starting April 2012.

Ccity Engineer Sakharam Panzhade said, "Installation of water meters is part and parcel of the parallel pipeline project. As on date there are 1.2 lakh water connections that are on record, there is also a chunk of illegal water connections in the city. The other reason for less number of water connections on record is that 40% of the city does not have a water supply network."

Under the agreement, the first six months will be allotted for various developmental activities while three years are scheduled for construction of infrastructure. The agency will be responsible for construction of a pump house at Jayawadi, laying of 27-km long water pipeline, construction of water treatment plant at Faroda, construction of water tanks at eleven different places in the city, laying of internal pipelines, modernisation of Harsul Water Supply Project, etc.

The private agency will also develop a parallel pipeline from Jayakwadi to the city in different phases. The agency will also install water meters at every household. At present, the citizens do not pay water charges as per the meter.

The total project cost is Rs 792.2 crore, of which the AMC will contribute Rs 399.53 crore while the special purpose vehicle will arrange for the balance amount. Besides, the corporation will give Rs 63 crore per annum to the private agency for operation and maintenance work. At present, the AMC's annual expenditure of operation and maintenance is close to Rs 50 crore.

