BJP leaders squabble over share from new water supply project

Vadodara: Ahead of the formal inauguration of the Mahi-based water supply project of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), elected representatives have locked horns over the distribution of water from the project.
Manjalpur BJP MLA Yogesh Patel wants a higher supply of water to his constituency even as mayor Keyur Rokadiya said that the area will have surplus water even with the present allocation.
The new water supply project will be providing 50MLD (million litres per day) water to the city. Most of it will be provided to the south zone that includes Manjalpur represented by Patel.
Rokadiya said that according to calculations by engineers, the area in question needs only 20-25 MLD water. “Against this, we will be providing 35MLD water to the area. This is sufficient for around50,000 families. It will not only enable us to give more connections, but also increase pressure. It is more than the requirement,” he said.
Patel, however, said that he had pushed for the project during the tenure of former chief minister Anandiben Patel. “I had done this after we realised the acute problems being faced by Manjalpur. I have discussed the issue with BJP state president C R Paatil too. It seems they want to divert some water meant for Manjalpur to other areas,” Patel said. He added that he would take up the issue after the PM’s visit to the city on Saturday.
The Mahi project has come up at a cost of Rs 165.75 crore. It has an intake well with a capacity of 300 MLD and a water treatment facility of 150 MLD. For testing 50 MLD water is already being drawn and pumped into the pipelines.