For long the VMC has been bogged by the discharge of partially treated sewage from the plants at Gajrawadi, Atladra and Tarsali. The treatment plants, with a combined capacity to treat nearly 81 million litre gallon waste daily, have overlived their life and have been functioning to half their capacity for the last several years.

Only recently, following complaints that water quality had deteriorated due to seepage of partially treated waste into sub soil, the VMC was forced to decide on giving water supply to Tarsali village, falling outside its limits. The proposal will be taken up for discussion in the Standing Committee meeting on Saturday.

INAUGURATED: MAYOR Bharati Vyas on Thursday evening inaugurated the first high mast light of the city near Hirak Baug, Railway Station Road. A brain-child of Municipal Commissioner G R Aloria, it is first in the series of five high mast lights to be installed at various parts of the city. Having a height of 30 meter, one high mast light costs nearly Rs 9 lakh. Each electric pole can have more than four bulbs. Some high mast lights will be sponsored by industries and corporate houses. According to information, one high mast light is equal to 15-odd sodium and mercury bulbs in the area and easy to maintain.

Speaking on the occasion, Vyas termed it as a step for the city's development. Deputy Mayor Dinesh Chokshi said street lights should be maintained if the city was to be developed.

Among others, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Administration) H S Patel and opposition leader in the VMC Kanchanbhai Parmar were present at the function.