In order to safeguard its water distribution network and avoid any untoward incidents, including terror threat, the BMC has proposed to secure its water tunnel and auxiliary system in South Mumbai.

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The civic body has already completed work on a tunnel connecting Malbar Hill and Cross Maidan, located near Churchgate railway station.

The distribution network is considered to be sensitive and accordingly, the Mumbai anti-terrorist squad (ATS) had suggested that the BMC take security measures. Subsequently, the BMC has proposed to erect mild steel fencing at the openings on the distribution networks and control rooms near Cross Maidan, Oval Maidan, SK Patil and Kilachand Gardens in the region.

"Given the water supply project concerned is crucial, we need to safeguard it anyway. Hence, this proposal has been put forth for the standing committee's approval," said a senior civic official said, wishing anonymity.

The proposal is expected to be discussed during a standing committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

The official said that the BMC would be erecting round barbed wires (similar to concertina wire) to keep anti-social elements at bay. "More than the terror angle, it is drug addicts who can cause a nuisance. The wires will be rounded – somewhat like the ones used along borders. We also mulled installing street lights so that such anti-social elements can be kept away," the official added.

This is not the first time that the BMC has received input regarding safeguarding its water distribution network. Earlier too, concerns were raised about anti-social elements trying to break and contaminate its pipelines.

The work is going to cost the BMC Rs1.4 crore and is planned to be completed over a period of nine months, following the committee's approval.