‘I cannot be blamed if authorities didn’t obtain permission or follow procedure’

Herald: Your opponents have blamed you for the water contamination and traffic snarls in the city during the last 10 days.

Kamat: I have nothing to say on the accusations levelled against me. But, let me tell you I had to intervene when people informed me that dirty water is flowing over the road. As an MLA, it is my duty to immediately inform the PWD to get the problem rectified. And, I had informed the PWD in writing. It is for them to decide how to go about the work. I cannot be blamed if the authorities did not obtain any permission or follow any procedure.

Herald:But, they say that you had acted in this particular case because of your proximity to two hoteliers.

Kamat:  This is sheer nonsense. Whenever, residents bring to my attention any such problem, I make it a point that I put up a note to the PWD in writing. If there’s any waste water overflowing from any soak pit, the municipality or other authorities should initiate action as per law. I cannot be blamed for the incident.

Herald: What is the solution to the repeated damages caused to water pipelines in the city due to road excavation?

Kamat:  A conduit or a duct system could be a long term solution to the problem. But, it is also a fact that the roads are narrow and water pipelines, power cables and sewage pipes have already been laid in the city. Unless the agencies coordinate and put in place a plan showing the laying of different lines and cables underground, the city may face similar situation in the future.