Huda seeks waterline damage details; to act against construction company

Gawar Construction, which had been assigned by the NHAI, to build a flyover and underpasses on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway has been blamed for the leaks

Gurgaon: Following repeated instances of water pipelines being damaged, resulting in supply shortage in new Gurgaon localities in the past three months, the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda) Chandigarh has sought details to initiate action against responsible agencies.

Damage to Huda’s main pipeline has affected water supply to several households across the city this summer. (FILE PHOTO)

“We have been asked by Huda chief administrator Vikas Gupta to provide details of every leakage or damage sustained by the master water line during the ongoing construction of underpasses and a flyover on NH-8. The damages happened due to negligent digging by the contractor. Huda had provided the underground waterline map to the Gawar Construction Limited company. Police complaints are likely to be filed against the company,” said a senior Huda official, seeking anonymity.

Huda’s mater water pipeline runs along the NH-8, also known as Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, which is presently witnessing massive development works such as the construction of a flyover Hero Honda chowk, besides underpasses at Rajiv Chowk abd Iffco Chowk and road-widening work. These works are being carried out the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Read I Gurgaon: Huda’s main water pipeline bursts, fresh crisis looms

Huda’s master pipelines cross NH-8 at Iffco Chowk, Signature Tower, Rajiv Chowk and Hero Honda Chowk and supply water to areas located on the left side of the NH-8.

In the past three months, NHAI-appointed construction company, Gawar Construction, has damaged the Huda waterline at these points a minimum of six to seven times.

The damages had resulted in wastage of millions of gallons of treated water and also led to a severe water crisis in areas such as DLF, Essel Towers, Sushant Lok, Ardee City, South City and Suncity.

Abhey Poonia, resident of Suncity, said, “Huda should have lodged an FIR against the contractor when it damaged the waterline twice at Iffco Chowk on May 3 and 5. I saw water gushing out at full force from the ruptured line. It is surprising that the Huda is yet to act. Meanwhile, residents continue to reel under water shortage.”

After the damage to the pipeline at Iffco Chowk damage, Huda administrator Yashpal Yadav had warned of lawful action against responsible agencies.

The pipeline was also damaged twice in February.

The line was ruptured again on April 4 at Signature Tower, at Rajiv Chowk on April 22 and on May 3 and 5 at Iffco Chowk.

Despite repeated calls and messages, the company representative was not available for comment.