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For BMC, money does not buy water

Civic body fails to utilise Budget allocated to water supply, improving condition of infra

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The BMC had planned a series of new pipelines and tunnels, while also announcing repair work on old water-related infrastructure, in order to boost water supply to various parts of the city. But while the BMC officers remained busy with paperwork and tender processing work, the projects have all been delayed.

The list of delayed big budget projects includes the Rs 1,400 crore Chembur-Parel tunnel project, which couldn't start despite getting a sanction in April last year, because the contractor wasn't able to submit a bank guarantee.

The water department of the BMC has two branches: The water supply project (WSP) to work on water tunnels and pipelines, and the hydraulic engineering department (HED) that focusses on the actual water supply. For the last few years, the BMC is working on improving its water supply network, and is trying to replace the British-era pipes with water tunnels and big pipelines.

In the 2018-19 Budget, the BMC allocated Rs 1,021 crore for these various projects, of which Rs 410 crore was to go to the WSP department. By the end of December, however, the department only utilised 10 per cent of this sum. "The tender process requires time, and we completed most of the paperwork this year. Also a lot of projects started in the last two months. Next year, we will utilise more funds from the Budget," said an officer from the WSP department.

The BMC, however, couldn't even get started on the Chembur-Parel tunnel project. The 9.7-km water tunnel will be about 100-110 metres below the road surface. Soma Enterprises Limited won the contract and the Standing Committee approved the proposal in April. But after the company failed to pay even legal charges or the bank guarantee amounting to Rs 60 crore, a couple of legal notices were issued to the firm. The BMC is taking legal action, but work has halted since nine months.

On the other hand, the hydraulic department utilised 46 per cent of its Budget allocation by December. The one thing it couldn't ensure was the 24*7 water supply pilot project. It was to be rolled out in Bandra and Mulund, but residents say it hasn't taken effect yet.

This apart, a project to construct a cycling track around Tansa pipeline has started, but its third phase is in limbo after citing illegal encroachments along the pipeline.

A TALE OF AMBITIOUS PROJECTS, STALLED PROMISES

Several big budget projects to improve water supply to the city have been delayed

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