NMC diktat: No rainwater harvesting system, no water connections

Advertisement

rainwater_harvesting_icon_-_revisedNagpur: Faced with the widespread water shortage across the city, the Standing Committee of Nagpur Municipal Corporation has decided to not to issue water connections to newly constructed buildings unless rainwater harvesting system is installed in the structures.

Usually, guarantee of sorts is sought from the individuals and firms undertaking constructions on installation of rainwater harvesting system before permission is issued but the Town Planning authorities are found apathetic in ensuring the system is installed. This attitude of Town Planning Department drew flak from Chairman of the Standing Committee Sudhir Raut.

Reprimanding the concerned authorities, Raut said that the illegal constructions are demolished at the drop of a hat but nobody ensures installation of rainwater harvesting system in newly constructed buildings. The red-faced Raut directed the concerned authorities to adhere to the rules and see that the water saving system is installed at new constructions.

The Standing Committee has decided that NMC will provide 50 percent grants for installation of rainwater harvesting system in old structures. Raut further said that Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) has also been urged to provide 50 percent grants for the purpose. “Ground water level is decreasing day-by-day and the installation of rainwater harvesting system is need of the hour to tackle water shortage,” Raut stressed.

Fire Service uniform:

Even though the officials and employees of NMC’s Fire Brigade have been provided with khaki uniforms the same is not the case with other Municipal Corporations of the State. The personnel of these local bodies have been provided with uniforms in accordance with the Drill Manual of Maharashtra Fire Services Academy.

Since the working of Fire Brigades across the State is of same nature, uniformity in uniforms is lacking. Grappling with the issue, the Standing Committee gave its approval for new uniforms to Fire Service personnel as well as purchasing of other material. However, since it is a policy decision, approval of General Body Meeting of NMC will be required to implement it.

Underground power lines:

The MSEDCL, in accordance with the directives of State Government, is undertaking laying of underground electricity lines in the limits of Nagpur Municipal Corporation. In view of the development, the Standing Committee has decided to set up a 3-member committee to draft the Memorandum of Understanding which will be inked with MSEDCL in this regard. The 3-member committee will comprise two corporators and an official.

– By Rajeev Ranjan Kushwaha