Team Herald
PONDA: A rupture in pipeline at Khandepar has resulted in acute water shortage, with residents blaming unplanned road widening and excavation work for the ongoing National Highway (NH) project at Kerya, Khandepar.
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The 250 mm diameter pipeline was damaged during excavation for the highway work, leading to a major water fountain from the ruptured pipe. The resulting water gushing onto the road not only disrupted traffic flow but also caused water shortages in parts of Khandepar and Usgao, which rely on the affected pipeline for supply.
Local resident Sandeep Parkar expressed his frustration, stating, “This is not the first time it has happened. On several occasions, water pipelines have been damaged due to the unplanned highway work. The frequency of such incidents is increasing.”
Parkar suggested that the concerned engineers should be physically present at the widening site to guide the workers involved. He pointed out that many of the labourers are from outside the area and are unfamiliar with the underground pipeline layout. He urged the Public Works Department (PWD) to provide workers with proper plans of the underground utility lines to prevent such accidents in the future.
Additionally, he criticised the government for failing to install utility ducts to accommodate essential services such as electricity cables, water pipelines, and communication lines. He argued that proper planning and the implementation of such ducts would prevent recurring damage and service disruptions.
Residents have urged the authorities to take immediate measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur, as they continue to face difficulties due to the ongoing highway construction.
