Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be in Vadodara on June 18 and the preparations for the grand visit are in full force. The most iconic event is likely to be PM Modi’s address at Leprosy Ground, where a dome-like structure is being built to roof nearly 5 lakh people. However, with the hot climate, one of the most essential arrangements will be that of providing drinking water. And this particular service has raised some controversy in the state.
As such, the Gujarat State Water Supply and Sewerage Board (GWSSB) has issued a tender inviting bids in line of Rs2 crores to supply mineral drinking water for the event. The bid opened on June 7 and closed on June 13. According to sources, the board sought to buy a total of 25 water tankers with a capacity of 10,000 litres of cool potable water. Also, the tender asks for 20 litres of jugs of R.O. water, and mineral water bottles as well. There must be ice blocks available to keep the water chilled as well. The supplier must also arrange for unskilled labourers who can unload the tanks and the jugs and also get the water transported to the desired venue. The tender also mentions providing good quality paper cups and dustbins for the same.
The controversy has stirred up because Vadodara and surrounding places are currently struggling with a severe shortage of water. Some areas are very badly affected. In fact, in the tribal belt of Chhota Udepur, people have to dig borewells to survive summers. People have organized agitations in front of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) demanding that the authorities provide drinking water in every area. Sources say that several local leaders have hit back at the government for inviting bids to supply drinking water. They feel that while a normal man is struggling to get enough clean potable water, ordering so much quantity is very unfair.
