GURGAON: Water supply to at least 34 sectors and several villages was disrupted on Monday after a master pipeline was damaged during construction work in Sector 47, prompting GMDA to file a police complaint against the contracting agency of IKEA store.The damage was detected in a 1,200mm master supply line that carries treated water from Chandu Budhera water treatment plant to the boosting station in Sector 51, from where it is distributed to sectors 42 to 75. According to GMDA, the main line was hit near IKEA building in Sector 47 while the contracting agency was carrying out construction work to install pillars at the site. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, leading to an immediate halt in supply.The pipeline was shifted last year to facilitate construction of the IKEA building. However, officials said the rig machine used during the ongoing work struck the relocated pipeline.“The damage occurred when a drilling rig was being used during ongoing construction work in Sector 47. Although the pipeline was already shifted to the green belt last year, the executing agency hit the line while working inside the sector road.At present, we are facing some delay in procuring the required material for permanent repairs, as a specialised mechanical joint needs to be arranged from the manufacturer, which may take two to three days. For now, we are carrying out a temporary repair by installing a clamp on the damaged portion to restore supply,” an official said, adding that the supply was set to be resumed by late Monday night.The official added that permanent repairs will be taken up once the material is available. “A complaint has also been lodged with the police against the contracting agency for damaging govt property and causing inconvenience to public,” the official added.Repair work is being carried out by IKEA’s contracting agency at its own cost, with GMDA providing technical support. Teams from both sides were mobilised soon after the incident, and dewatering of the site was undertaken to expedite the work.Residents, meanwhile, flagged concerns over the lack of clarity on restoration timelines. Aruni Shukla, general secretary of BPTP Astaire Garden in Sector 70A, said the society was relying on stored water.“There was no supply on Monday, and if the situation persists, it will be difficult. We are managing through reserves, but they are depleting. If supply is not restored soon, we will be forced to arrange tankers,” he said.
