Two borewells dug at Deonar dump entry to provide water for firefighting

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has dug two borewells to provide water for dousing the smouldering Deonar dumping ground.

For the last two months, the fire brigade has been trying to put out the flames. Each time a water tanker is emptied, the firemen have to go to Deonar abattoir to fill it, at least 3.5km away. The two borewells will provide great relief to the firemen and help them control the fire faster.

The initial plan was to dig four borewells, but the BMC decided to dig only two first and check if water from them would be sufficient. The 50-feet borewells are at the entry of the Deonar dump. Fire brigade will start using water from them from next week onwards.

Earlier, the BMC was using potable water for the purpose. After facing criticism, however, the civic body started lifting water from the Ashish Talao in Chembur. Two filling points were created inside the dumping ground, where fibre tanks were placed on the ground. Private tankers carrying water from the Ashish Talao emptied it into the tanks.

Frequent incidents of fire on the Deonar dumpyard since January have become a major source of worry for the civic body. Even after continuous efforts, a series of pocket fires keep breaking out and the fire brigade is still struggling to gain control over it. The fire officials have created six zones on the dumping ground and designated fire engines on the need basis. As many as 42 fire officials have been deployed and each fire engine is manned by two officials.