₹4 crore electricity dues jeopardise 200 water‑supply schemes in Umaria, MP

Umaria district authorities have disclosed that nearly 200 tap‑water schemes are burdened with unpaid electricity charges amounting to about ₹4 crore. The outstanding dues have prompted the power utility to consider cutting supply to some schemes unless the payments are cleared. The Public Health Engineering (PHE) department has placed responsibility for the arrears on the respective gram panchayats, urging them to settle the bills promptly. Meanwhile, the District Panchayat CEO has said the issue will be discussed with the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Board (MPEB) to explore possible relief measures. Residents relying on these schemes risk interruption of water supply if the power is disconnected, highlighting the financial strain on local bodies managing essential services.

The situation underscores the challenges faced by rural infrastructure projects where operational costs, such as electricity, often exceed the revenue generated from water tariffs. Local officials have called for better budgeting and timely fund allocation to avoid service disruptions in the future.

Stakeholders, including panchayat representatives, are expected to meet with MPEB officials in the coming days to negotiate a settlement plan and prevent any immediate cut‑off of electricity to the water schemes.