Local MLA to take up issue with WRD Minister
VALPOI
Poriem MLA Deviya Rane has decided to hold detailed talks with Water Resources Department Minister Subhash Shirodkar over the high iron content in drinking water at Keri-Sattari.
In the Keri panchayat area, iron levels in drinking water have been found to be above permissible limits, posing a health risk to residents. The problem has been recurring for several years and becomes more severe during March, April and May.
Residents say that unless the silt in the Anjune dam reservoir is removed, the issue will continue to affect public health every year. They have demanded that the WRD take immediate steps to desilt the reservoir.
Rane expressed concern, stating that although the issue of desilting has been raised in the Assembly over the past three years, no concrete action has been taken. As a result, residents continue to face the problem. She said the issue, which began in March, is likely to continue for some more time.
Rane added that she will take up the matter with WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar and Chief Engineer Dnyaneshwar Salelkar to ensure action is taken. Meanwhile, in areas with low water pressure, supply is being provided through tankers.
Sources said a water treatment plant was set up in Keri to address drinking water issues. It uses water from the Anjune dam reservoir, which is treated and supplied to residents.
Although the system has been in place for years, iron levels in the water have been rising during summer in recent years. This has affected the purification process, leading to poor water quality and possible health risks.
Problems despite jackwell
Following repeated complaints, a jackwell facility was installed at the Keri water treatment plant under Rane’s initiative and made operational last year to resolve the issue.
However, the problem persists. Since March this year, iron levels have increased again, leading to fresh complaints. In some areas, water supply remains inadequate, and low pressure has added to residents’ difficulties.
Purification disrupted
High iron content is affecting the purification process at the Keri water treatment plant. Reports indicate delays in treatment, which are directly impacting supply. Officials say the issue cannot be fully resolved unless iron levels in the raw water are reduced.
The plant depends on water from the dam reservoir, where levels are now falling. Since the dam was built, the accumulated silt has not been removed. Each year, more silt builds up, and when water levels drop, it mixes with the water reaching the plant, affecting purification. This, in turn, disrupts supply. Officials said the problem will continue unless the reservoir is desilted.
