City to receive water after one year!

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The first phase of the new water supply scheme is expected to be completed by June, with claims that the city will receive an additional 200 MLD of water. This assurance is being projected by the Municipal Corporation, local political leaders, and officials from the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP). However, the ground reality is quite different. Numerous works under the scheme are still incomplete, and officials and contractors will certainly need at least another year to finish them. On Friday, Divisional Commissioner Dilip Gawade inspected the entire ongoing project and the above harsh reality of delays and incomplete work came to light.

The authorities have repeatedly assured that water from the new water supply scheme will start reaching the city by the end of summer, and even if there is a delay, water will be available by June. Citizens have been urged to bear with the hardships this summer, claimed repeatedly the Municipal Corporation administrator, MJP authorities, and local political leaders.

On Friday, the divisional commissioner inspected the entire progress of the scheme. During his visit, he encountered a mountain of challenges—from the water lifting station at Jayakwadi to the water treatment plant on the hills of Nakshatrawadi. He made efforts to understand and address each of these issues, but it was clear that several major hurdles remain before the scheme can be fully operational.

No Labourers available for Jackwell construction

The jackwell, which is the key water lifting station, is currently facing a shortage of labourers. To bring 200 MLD of water to the city in the first phase of the new water supply scheme, it is essential to complete the first phase of the Jackwell construction. Out of the total 27 meters, 24 meters of the structure have been completed so far. However, there’s still a lot of work pending — all three sides of the Jackwell need to be filled with soil up to ground level. Besides, the construction of an 18-meter-long approach bridge connected to the Jackwell is still incomplete. Without labourers and timely progress on these critical tasks, the project faces further delays.

Butterfly Valve installation challenges

At 8 key locations, including Gevrai Tanda, RL Steel, Pharola Bridge, Pere Pump, Mahakal Gym, Yog Hotel, Dal Mill Bridge, and near the Sugar Factory, there are serious difficulties in installing butterfly valves. This is because 900 mm and 1200 mm pipelines are too close to the main 2500 mm pipeline, leaving no space to fit the valves properly.

Pipe laying is impossible at 10 locations

At 10 sites, laying the 2500 mm diameter main water pipeline has become nearly impossible due to space or structural obstructions. These locations include Dadaji Hotel, Dhorkin, Pangra Phata, Chitegaon, ZP School, Nakshatrawadi, WTP (Water Treatment Plant), DMIC Gate, Kaudgaon Bridge, Sai Leela Hotel, Sagar Darshan Building and Pharola Nullah. The 900 mm and 1200 mm pipelines are facing interference at these spots.

Three days of shutdown needed

Work on incomplete pipeline connections at 25 locations cannot be done unless the existing water supply is shut down. Due to summer heat, an immediate shutdown isn’t feasible. However, the municipal corporation has agreed to a 3-day shutdown post-summer. During this time, all pending pipeline connections will be completed.

National Highway bridge obstruction

In Dhorkin and Chitegaon, the construction of National Highway bridges is incomplete, making it impossible to lay the 2500 mm pipeline. Highway officials have assured the Divisional Commissioner that the matter will be addressed swiftly.

Air Valve installation delays

Out of the total of 95 air valves to be installed along the main pipeline. Of which, 56 have been installed so far. Work on the remaining 39 is yet to begin. Besides, 8 score valves are also to be installed — none of this work has started yet.