In a significant development, the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court has highlighted the severe water shortage plaguing the residents of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, previously known as Aurangabad. The residents face the dire situation of receiving potable water only once every eight to nine days during the hot summer months. The court has voiced its concerns regarding the prolonged delays in a major water pipeline project, which has a budget exceeding Rs. 1600 crore. In a proactive move, the court announced that it would personally inspect various segments of the project on May 14 to assess progress and implement necessary actions.
Project Goals and Judicial Oversight
The pipeline project is designed to secure a reliable supply of drinking water for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and its neighboring areas by channeling water from the Jayakwadi dam. The initiative is crucial for alleviating the water scarcity that currently grips the region. An article in the Indian Express mentioned that this action by the High Court came following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Shrihari Anant Shidore among others, which drew attention to the insufficient and irregular water distribution in the city. During the proceedings, the bench, comprising Justices R V Ghuge and R M Joshi, lamented the considerable slowdown in the project’s progress.
Challenges and Contractor Accountability
The court noted several instances where the contractor responsible for the pipeline failed to keep his commitments, causing significant project delays. S S Deshmukh, appointed as amicus curiae, suggested that the contractor is likely to cite the upcoming monsoon season as yet another reason for delay. Despite these setbacks, the court has previously shown leniency towards the delays, given the project's importance to the community’s welfare. However, the justices expressed that their patience is not unlimited and emphasized the need for tangible progress.
Future Steps and Court’s Commitment
In light of these ongoing issues, the court has kept open the option of reducing the project's scope and involving additional subcontractors if necessary—a suggestion brought forth by Deshmukh. The judges, determined not to be mere spectators to the ongoing delays, have scheduled a visit to the project sites. This visit will allow them to evaluate the situation firsthand, accompanied by lawyers and a committee appointed by the high court. The findings from this inspection are expected to shape the subsequent hearing of the PIL on June 7, as the court seeks to ensure that the vital water needs of the city’s residents are met.
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