Two months on, GMADA yet to float tenders for new tubewells

Tribune News Service

Mohali, May 22

Over two months have passed since GMADA officials claimed to have prepared estimate for the installation of tubewells, but it is yet to float tenders for the same while people continue to reel under water crisis.

Of the 14 tubewells in Sectors 68 and 69, four are non-functional, leading to water shortage in the area.

Officials said they earlier planned to build four new tubewells. However, they have now decided to build three tubewells.

“We inspected the tubewells following complaints of poor water supply. We found that one of the four tubewells be repaired. So we are going to repair it. While three others will be installed again as they have outlived their life, which is around 10 to 12 years,” said Executive Engineer Vasudev Anand.

The officials said a sum of around Rs 30 lakh would be spent on each tubewell.

“We are getting required approvals. After this, we will float tenders for the same in around 10 days. In two months’ time, we will have new tubewells,” added Anand.

Agitated over hike in water tariff and poor water supply, councillor Satvir Singh Dhanoa said: “We are going to move a PIL in the High Court against GMADA for varied rates in Mohali. We are getting water supply for only two hours in the morning and evening each. Our overhead water tanks remain empty. The authorities are charging increased water tariff from residents. We face problem in winters too.”

GMADA had hiked tariff rates in Sectors 66-69, 76-80, Aero City and Eco City in September last year. As per that, residents would have to pay Rs 5 per kilolitre for consumption up to 20 kilolitres and Rs 10 per kilolitre for consumption exceeding 20 kilolitres, as compared to the earlier flat rate of Rs 1.8 per kilolitre.