Mumbai to get additional 455 MLD water from August 2012

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is hopeful of augmenting the daily water supply by 455 million litres per day (MLD) from August 2012 with the completion of Middle Vaitarna dam project by then.

"With the construction of the dam and allied works progressing on schedule, we are hopeful that the project will be completed within the deadline of March 2012. So after the June-July rainfall, the additional water supply will begin from August- September 2012," municipal commissioner Swadhin Kshatriya said.

One of the most expensive urban projects approved under Centre-sponsored Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the project is now 58% complete, over three years after work started in July 2007.

It will cost Rs2,006 crore and 35% of funds are provided by the Centre, 15% by Maharashtra Government and BMC has put in the remaining 50%.

At present, the metropolis receives 3,350 MLD against a demand of 4,200 MLD.

The BMC has plans to tap additional 440 MLD of water from the Gargai reservoir in adjoining Thane in two-and-half to three years.

"We have completed all the technical and feasibility work of the project and have zeroed in on a site. Since site is in the forest area, we will approach the environment ministry for impact assessment and necessary permission," Kshatriya said.

Meanwhile, BMC has said due to water tunnel related works, some localities will not receive water for three days from January 6.

The civic body has undertaken construction of 60 metre underneath tunnel from Maroshi-Ruparel College in suburban Mahim to replace the old trunk maims. Work of fixing valve on Bhandup-Maroshi main as part of Maroshi-Vakola-Mahim-Ruparel tunnel project is proposed to be executed from January 6.

"There will be no water supply in a few areas of south Mumbai, including Cuffe Parade, Colaba, Nariman Point, Fort and Churchgate on January 6 and 8. On January 7, in Kalbadevi, Girgaum, Thakurdwar and Mumbai Central," Kshatriya said.

Also there will no water in areas of Jogeshwari, Andheri (East) on January 6 and in Versova, Yari Road and Andheri and Vile Parle (West), Santacruz and Bandra (East) and MIDC on January 7. On January 8, no water will be available in Andheri (West) and Vile Parle (East).