On the lines of the gaothan structures, the BMC has decided to provide water connections to Koliwada structures that were constructed after 1964 on humanitarian grounds. The decision is likely to benefit about 50 lakh people living in koliwadas, who have been deprived of water connections till date by the BMC.
Municipal commissioner Sitaram Kunte in his budget speech for the year 2013-2014 had proposed to provide water connections to structures in gaothans as well as koliwadas constructed after 1964 and before 1995. “It has been proposed to grant water connections on humanitarian grounds to structures in koliwadas constructed prior to January 1, 1995, in line with the BMC’s policy for slums,” Mr Kunte had said. The present policy is to grant water connections to structures in existence prior to April 17, 1964, declared as tolerated structures, in koliwadas.
According to the civic officials, the civic body offers water connections to koliwada structures built before 1964, provided they had submitted proofs of their domicile. But, the BMC policy for slums does not apply to koliwada structures built after 1995. Hence, the structures built between 1964 and 1995 are not given water connections.
According to the locals, due to the rising population, a large number of new constructions have taken place in koliwadas. Due to this, the water connections provided to old constructions are proving to be insufficient. As a result, these residents have to buy water from wells, tankers or from the authorised water connection holders. At times, they also indulge in obtaining illegal water connection.
“We have decided to provide water connections to koliwada structures built after 1964 on a humanitarian basis. Since, the constructions in koliwadas are at scattered places, a separate connection will be given to each structure. The supply will be given as per the rate — `3 per 1,000 litres — and each person will be given 90 litres of water,” said a senior civic official.
The proposal will be tabled before the civic standing committee for approval on Wednesday.