A boy quenches his thirst from a leaking pipe. Picture by S.H. Patgiri

Feb. 10: Experts have urged Dispur to chalk out plans to renovate the pipe water distribution network of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) to avoid any crisis during times of natural disasters.

At a two-day orientation programme on disaster risk management here, the participants pointed out that the water distribution network in the city is on the verge of collapse.

The programme, sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and organised by the district disaster management committee, Kamrup, ended today.

Professor of disaster management M.M. Saikia said the distribution of pure drinking water should be accorded the highest priority when the authorities draw up plans for disaster management.

The participants claimed that the entire pipe network of the corporation had sunk five to six feet below the road level. The pipes were installed during the seventies. In prime localities such as Panbazar, Fancy Bazar and Chandmari, the GMC?s underground water pipes have sunk more than seven feet.

The experts feared that in case of a quake, the entire network might collapse. The only solution, they said, is to suitably streamline and overhaul the network.

The experts also discussed the reports submitted by the GMC stating that the water supplied might be contaminated because the pipes have outlived their lives.

The appeal to renovate the network came after the district administration was asked to identify the narrow roads and passages in the city. The administration was also asked to impress on the residents the need to part with some land to widen the narrow roads so that relief and rescue operations could be conducted smoothly during natural disasters and fire.

The suggestion was made by additional chief secretary C.K. Das, while inaugurating the orientation programme.

Terming the orientation programme as a good move to minimise damage to property and human lives, newly-appointed deputy commissioner Samir Sinha said the administration would surely act on the recommendations and suggestions of the experts.

Sinha said the administration would launch projects in phases to keep the essential services running during and after a disaster.