Israel firm Mekorot to make water master plan for Marathwada

Israel's national water company, Mekorot has chosen Maharashtra to undertake a comprehensive survey of the water resources in Marathwada region and subsequently help the state government to develop a water grid.

Mekorot, which has built Israel's national water carrier, will bring in technology, knowledge and systems to conduct survey, prepare a water supply master plan and to solve the water shortage project completely for the Marathwada region spread over 65,000 sq km.

Further, Mekorot, which has completed a similar exercise in the field of water management in Argentina, Mexico, Romania and Cyprus, is in the midst of talks with Kerala and Assam governments for technical cooperation.

Mekorot chairman Mordechai Mordechai told DNA, "As per the agreement signed with the Maharashtra government on Wednesday, we will provide water supply plan for the entire Marathwada region in 24 months."

"We will give five to six options which will involve what are the economic and ecological aspects, its impact, doability of water management project. These options will be given in next six months. Thereafter, we will prepare preliminary detailed report (PDR) on whatever option state government selects by December this year.''

Mordechai said the water management is proposed for drinking, agriculture and industry. He informed that the company will examine the recycling of sewage water for agriculture. ''The first project will start in nine months,'' he added.

Mordechai said sharing its expertise and experience in water management has become an integral part of diplomacy for Israel.'' In the Israeli water grid, water is transported from the Sea of Galilee to central Israel using gravity and pumping. Various aquifers and streams are connected to this grid,'' he added.

NEW TECH ON ANVIL

• Mekorot, which has built Israel’s national water carrier, will bring in technology, knowledge and systems to conduct survey.
   
• Mekorot, which has completed a similar exercise in Argentina, Mexico, Romania and Cyprus, is in the midst of talks with Kerala and Assam governments for technical cooperation.