JMRC workers damage pipeline, thousands of litres of drinking water wasted

JAIPUR: A water pipeline was broken by negligent workers of Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC) on Thursday, much to the inconvenience of residents of Topkhana area. According to sources, a 15 -inch underground water pipeline was damaged by a JCB machine near Chotti Chaupar in Walled City area.
The incident occurred at 7pm and nearly 20,000 residents of Topkhanna area were marooned for hours after the water pipeline burst.It took for four long hours for the officials to repair the damaged pipeline.
The rupture caused flooding and panic among residents of the Walled City area. Thousands of litres of drinking water gushed on the verandas of many homes. Resident alleged that despite several phone calls neither Jaipur Metro nor PHED officials reached on the spot on time. "The wastage could have been prevented if timely action was taken. Residents have to suffer every time due to negligent workers and officials," said Naveen Jain, a nearby resident.
Many also alleged that it was a serious threat to residents as electric cables and wires were lying open in the area. "Possibilities of electrocution were high on a water logged road. Fortunately, shops were not open at that time. All electric equipment of Metro were also submerged in the water," Jyoti Jain, an eyewitness, said.
An official later said, "The water supply has been resumed. To avoid such incidents in future, a concrete platform will be constructed beneath the crane surface to avoid damage to water pipelines."
Officials informed that the company concerned was fined earlier also for breaking an underground pipeline. However, the payment has not been made till date. "We have shot a letter to the Jaipur Metro that the penalty should be deducted from the contractor's payment," a PHED official said.
The JMRC has ignored the shifting of many pipelines, including the Bisalpur water pipeline, and the shifting will create problems as roads will be dug up in the process.