INDIA FIRST . JAIPUR . RIYA CHANDANI
A major drinking water crisis may hit Rajasthan even before the peak summer arrives. Shockingly, the crisis is not being attributed only to natural factors but also to alleged administrative negligence and corruption.
According to sources, the Bisalpur drinking water supply expansion project has suffered a major setback. The Surajpura Filter Plant project, built at an estimated cost of ₹500 crore, has reportedly been declared a failure. Despite this, allegations have surfaced that payments were still made to the company associated with the project.
Experts warn that the situation could affect nearly 20 million people during the upcoming summer, particularly in cities such as Jaipur, Tonk, Ajmer, and surrounding regions.
Reports suggest the situation could become so severe that even the assembly constituencies represented by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, and Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa may face significant water shortages.
Serious Irregularities Found in Investigation
The investigation report has highlighted several major irregularities:
The design of the Surajpura Filter Plant was changed without official approval.
The company GCKC allegedly modified the design on its own to reduce costs.
The plant failed to achieve its intended capacity of 216 MLD (million litres per day).
Despite these shortcomings, payments of around ₹200 crore were reportedly released.
Questions Raised Over New Tender Plans
Adding to the controversy, discussions are reportedly underway to grant the same company a new tender worth ₹350 crore to fix the project. Critics argue that awarding additional funds to repair a project already declared a failure raises serious questions about accountability and governance.
Meanwhile, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Minister Kanhaiya Lal Chaudhary had directed action against the company. However, questions are now being raised over whether bureaucratic delays are slowing down the implementation of those orders.
Experts warn that unless immediate corrective measures are taken, Rajasthan could face a severe drinking water crisis in several districts during the upcoming summer season.
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