Indore water crisis deepens as civic water department runs dry:Nearly 53% posts vacant, one sub-engineer handling all operations

Indore’s drinking water crisis has now spilled onto the streets. While some areas are receiving low-pressure supply, others are becoming increasingly dependent on tankers. In several localities, residents are protesting over leakages and valve operations. Not only are water tanks running dry, but the Municipal Corporation’s Water Supply Department is also severely understaffed. Out of 559 sanctioned posts in the department, 298 are vacant. This means the city’s entire water supply system is being managed with nearly 53% staff shortage. Only one sub-engineer handling major operations The department has 25 sanctioned posts for sub-engineers, but 24 of them are vacant. This means that pipeline networks, leakages, valve operations, tank monitoring and field management are effectively being handled by almost a single sub-engineer. Out of eight sanctioned posts for assistant engineers, six are vacant, while one of the two executive engineer posts is also lying vacant. Every day, 320 to 340 MLD of water is being supplied from the Bizalpur plant to the city. The responsibility for distribution, pressure maintenance and monitoring rests on limited staff. The maximum burden currently falls on field workers and linemen. In several areas, one employee has to manage multiple wards. Leakage and supply management are becoming a challenge At present, complaints of low-pressure water supply, faulty valve operations and pipeline leakages are being reported from several parts of the city. In the Naulakha area, a major pipeline leakage has created a situation where supply from 34 water tanks could be affected. Officials from the Water Supply Department said the shortage of technical and field staff was hampering the immediate resolution of complaints and regular monitoring work. The worst impact is being seen on posts directly linked to drinking water distribution and control systems. Officials said the issue of staff shortage was also raised during a meeting with the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) two days ago. It was pointed out that a single engineer is currently handling water supply, drainage and public works simultaneously.