Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The city had faced a severe water crisis in 1973, following which then minister Dr Rafiq Zakaria initiated a 700-mm diameter water pipeline from Jayakwadi to Nakshatrawadi to supply water to the city. After serving residents for nearly five decades, the pipeline will be permanently shut down on May 18.
In its place, the newly laid 900-mm diameter pipeline, installed two years ago at a cost of Rs 200 crore, will be operated at full capacity. Civic officials said this will increase the city’s water supply by around 17 MLD.
At present, the city receives water through three pipelines — the oldest 700-mm pipeline, a 1,200-mm pipeline laid in 1983-84, and the 900-mm pipeline commissioned in 2024. Together, these pipelines currently supply around 140 to 145 MLD water daily, while the city’s total requirement stands at 230 MLD.
The 700-mm pipeline had already exceeded its lifespan nearly 20 years ago but continued functioning and currently supplies 40 to 45 MLD water to the old city areas. Meanwhile, the 900-mm pipeline is presently supplying only 20 to 25 MLD water despite having a total capacity of 75 to 80 MLD.
Officials said the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) had not been ready to operate the new pipeline at full capacity. However, after intervention by municipal office-bearers on Wednesday, it was decided that the pipeline would begin operating at full capacity from May 18.
Authorities believe the additional water supply will provide partial relief to citizens, many of whom are currently receiving water once every 10 to 15 days due to the ongoing shortage.
Why was the decision delayed?
A major question being raised is why the decision to fully operationalise the new pipeline was not taken before the onset of summer. Officials and residents believe that the additional water supply could have reduced the long gaps in water distribution across several localities. Critics allege that both the municipal corporation and the MJP failed to act in time despite worsening water scarcity conditions.