Dhar (Madhya Pradesh): Despite visible water shortages at Dilawara Dam, municipal officials insist there will be sufficient water supply for Dhar city until June 15, maintaining the current schedule of water delivery every two days. The city, with 12k tap connections requiring approximately one crore litres daily, draws water from three main sources: Sita Path pond, Dilawara Dam and Nayapura pond.
During a Sunday inspection at Sita Path and Dilawara Dam, municipal workers were observed installing two new motors to enhance supply capacity amid growing concerns about water levels.
Water distribution in Dhar operates through 13 storage tanks placed strategically across the city. Officials acknowledge the current infrastructure needs expansion, with plans for six additional tanks under the Rs 44 crore Amrit 2 scheme, which will eventually bring Narmada River water to residents.
The Dilawara water scheme has an interesting political history, initially launched by former Congress MLA Karan Singh Pawar and later expanded under MLA Neena Verma. Despite continuous development and additional tanks, the city continues to face perennial water distribution challenges regardless of season, with service typically available only every second or third day.
‘There will be no shortage of water in the city,’ assured Municipality sub-engineer and water supply in-charge Rakesh Bainal. ‘With all three water sources operational, we can maintain the two-day delivery schedule through mid-June.’ Local residents remain skeptical however, noting that even during normal times, water availability has been inconsistent.
Many households have installedprivate storage tanksto manage the situation during off-supply days, but those without such facilities continue to struggle with the intermittent service. Municipal officials did not address long-term solutions beyond the pending Amrit 2 scheme implementation.
