11 February,2011 06:46 AM IST | | Varun Singh
BMC is constructing three important water supply tunnels to enhance supply; expected to be completed by next year
If the BMC has its way, Mumbaikars, who face an acute water crisis on a daily basis, will get round-the-clock supply in the next one-and-a-half years.
The BMC is constructing three important tunnels Maroshi-Vakola-Mahim-Ruparel; Veravali reservoir-City Mall-Yari Road; and Malabar Hill-SK Patil Udyan-Cross Maidan which will help improve water supply in the parched pockets of the city. These tunnels will be completed by August 2012.
Once the tunnels are operational, the general public won't have to face water scarcity, while the daylong supply will help reduce wastage too
According to a civic official, the ambitious project will benefit the common man as well as the BMC.
Once the tunnels are operational, the general public won't have to face water scarcity, while the daylong supply will help reduce wastage too.
After presenting the estimates of the budget last Friday, BMC Commissioner Subodh Kumar said, "When water is supplied for a few hours, people tend to store it and then waste it as they know fresh water will come the next day."
The Maroshi tunnel, which will increase supply to A, C, D, G/S, G/N, and H/E Wards, is expected to be complete by August 2012.
The Veravali tunnel, which will improve water supply in K/W Wards, is expected to be complete by June, 2011.
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Work on the Malabar Hill tunnel, which will improve water supply to the Kalbadevi, Colaba, Cuffe Parade and Nariman Point areas, is expected to be complete by September, 2011.
At present, the city receives only 3,350 million litres per day (mld) of water against a requirement of more than 4,250 mld.
"The dams have adequate water to meet the city's water needs 24 hours a day. The only problem is the carrying capacity, which we were lacking but the work is in progress.
We will be able to supply water to the whole city round-the-clock in one-and-a-half years," said Rahul Shewale, chairperson, BMC standing committee.
"People tend to store water when there is less supply and then throw it when they get fresh water the next day. This wastage will be stopped," he added.
Pinjal Dam
For the augmentation of water supply to the city, the MMRDA has proposed to construct a dam on the Pinjal river. It is expected to increase the supply by 865 mld. The work, which is expected to commence by October 2014, will be completed by March 2021. Also, there is a proposal by the National Water Development Agency to link the Daman Ganga and Pinjal rivers. A memorandum of understanding has been signed for sharing the Daman Ganga water between Maharashtra and Gujarat. This will make 2400 mld of water available to the state.
