Even as warning signs are flashing over impending drinking water crisis, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Orange City Water (OCW), in a bid to maximise gains, has sanctioned a 40 mm commercial water connection at Satpuda Botanical Garden. A private project is coming up at the garden in Seminary Hills area to which the drinking water is going to be diverted, claimed Abhijeet Jha, Congress corporator. Slamming the decision, Jha questioned, why a private commercial establishment is being prioritised when residents in several parts of the city are struggling to secure adequate drinking water.

 

He has called for immediate suspension of the connection and a detailed inquiry into the matter. The Satpuda Botanical Garden, under the jurisdiction of Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University, was reportedly handed over to Manish Mehadiya’s company, Satyagita Infra Deals Private Limited, around six years ago for operation under a 10-year agreement. Questions have been raised over hotel, resort and other commercial activities at the premises and despite the availability of an independent water source, an existing borewell, the private contractor initiated the process of obtaining a new commercial water connection from the NMC’s supply network. An estimate of Rs 48,061 was prepared on August 31, 2026, for a new 40 mm water connection in the name of Satyagita Infra Deals Private Limited.

 

The estimate included expenses towards a water meter, pipeline, ball valve, excavation and road restoration. Subsequently, receipts dated September 23, 2026, show payments of Rs 15,000 towards a security deposit and Rs 14,379 as service connection charges, amounting to Rs 29,379. Jha sought clarification from the administration regarding the difference of Rs 18,682 between the estimated cost of Rs 48,061 and the amount of Rs 29,379 actually deposited. He demanded clarification on whether a No Objection Certificate (NoC) had been obtained from the agricultural university, which owns the land, and whether the original agreement permits hotel, resort or other commercial activities. He sought details regarding the quantity of water sanctioned for the project, the applicable commercial tariff and whether the authorities had assessed the possible impact of the proposed connection on drinking water availability in surrounding residential areas. Are private commercial projects being given priority over the needs of ordinary citizens? Jha questioned.