Weeds have covered a good portion of the river in the upstream of weir cum causeway and near water pumping stations.
Huge deposits of vegetation in Tapi river are badly affecting the purity of its water. Weeds have covered a good portion of the river in the upstream of weir cum causeway and near water pumping stations. The SMC has procured a de-weeder machine for clearing weeds from the water, but it seems that it is unable to control the growth of weeds.
Tapi river water near Amroli and Katargam is rapidly getting covered with weeds. In some patches, weeds have spread over the entire width of the river. The huge deposits of vegetation are badly damaging the quality of water as weeds discharge colour from their roots during daylight. Again, water carries an odour due to these weeds which persists even after purification. Civic water treatment plants are made to work for extra hours to meet the water supply requirements.
Due to this problem, water pumping from Tapi river at civic water works in Rander is reduced by more than 30%. At present, against a capacity of 130 MLD (million litres per day), the plant is being operated at a capactiy of between 70 and 80 MLD. The impurity level is water is so high that it can’t be supplied after purification. To meet the requirement, the civic body diverts the task of water pumping and purification to other stations.
To lessen impurity in water, the SMC has asked Ukai dam officials to discharge water from the dam. For the last few days, water is being discharged and on Monday too, 6000 cusecs of water was discharged into Tapi river. SMC also has a de-weeder machine worth Rs2 crore to clear vegetation from the river, but it seems to be unable to clear the weeds. K H Khatwani, engineer, heavy water works (SMC), admitted vegetation deposits in the Tapi river, but said it will not affect the quality of water.
“During summer, vegetation grows at a rapid speed in water, but it will not affect our water treatment plants. Hydraulic department is clearing weeds from the river daily and the entire vegetation will be removed in near future. There is no reduction in water purification capacity and supply due to this,” Khatwani added.
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