The proposal is all set to generate heat as several corporators have already voiced their opposition to it. The issue will be taken up by the standing committee next week.

The Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP), a government organisation, had completed Wagholi and Warje water supply schemes with the financial assistance from the World Bank. After completing the projects, the MJP made a formal request to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Pune Municipal Corporation and the Pune Zilla Parishad to take over the projects for maintenance. It was also decided that two municipal corporations and zilla parishad should enter into an agreement before taking over the water schemes.

While the issue was being discussed at various levels, a water tank at Nigdi, which was part of Wagholi Water supply scheme, collpased in Marchr. Three persons were killed in the mishap. The government appointed a committee, headed by Divisional Commissioner Rajiv Agarwal, which categorically stated the construction of the water tank was below the required standard.

The committee in its report recommended that Jayhind Projects, subcontractors to Engineering Projects Ltd, should not be given any work for next five years. The idea of handing over the scheme to private company came up because the municipal corporation has no adequate staff to look after the maintenance of the scheme. According to the proposal, Jayhind Projects will be given Rs 3.85 lakh every month for its work.

When contacted, officials said the proposal to hand over the scheme to Jayhind Projects was prepared because it assured guarantee of the entire scheme till March 2000. The officials, however, could not reply when asked whether the decision would be against the recommendations of the Agarwal Committee.