Uran to get more water, wells to be cleaned

Efforts are on to tackle the water shortage in Uran region.

An NGO, Uran Alive, has started an initiative ‘Save water, store water” and has started inspecting the wells in the taluka.

The NGO plans to take up cleaning work of the wells at Uran.

The group met Uran tehsildar Nitin Chavan with their plan which he accepted.

Manoj Badre, a member of the group, said: “The state is facing drought situation at several places with people thirsting for water. Uran so far has not been hit that hard. But, thousands of litres of water is wasted here due to leakages.”

He added, “There is two-day water cut in the taluka, but no major water shortage. However, complacency could lead to disastrous consequences.”

Mahesh Gharat, another member of the NGO, said: “Uran used to get an average of 2,600mm to 3,000mm rainfall every year. That has now reduced to around 1,500mm. The situation points towards a dangerous scenario ahead.”

Many wells have been dug up in Uran taluka to source water. Many of the wells are private properties. The water, however, is available to all from these wells as well. The well water has for years been used for public works.

Amruta Karnik, an NGO member, said: “The British government had in 1934 initiated a scheme to supply water to Uran from the wells. However, after the construction of Ransai dam, the wells were neglected which led to their neglect.”

Karnik added that the springs of several wells are being destroyed as they are choked.

“We have decided to clean these wells to enable them to supply water to Uran. The survey work is on. The actual cleaning work will be taken up at the earliest,” said Karnik.

MANY WELLS HAVE BEEN DUG UP IN URAN TALUKA TO SOURCE WATER. MANY OF THESE WELLS ARE PRIVATE PROPERTIES.