Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Owing to favourable rainfall this monsoon, Harsul Lake is completely full. Even though the summer season has begun, the lake still holds a water level of 23 feet. The municipal corporation is currently drawing 7 MLD of water from the lake. By increasing the withdrawal by another 3 MLD, some relief could be provided to the residents of the old city. However, no such measures have been undertaken by the water supply section.
Earlier, only 5 MLD of water was drawn from the lake. About three years ago, a new 5 MLD water treatment plant (WTP) was constructed at the site at a cost of approximately ₹2.5 crore. With both the old and the new treatment plants combined, the total treatment capacity has reached 10 MLD. If water were drawn from the lake at this full capacity every day, residents in the old city could receive water at least once every sixth or seventh day. At present, the municipal corporation withdraws 7 MLD daily. This water is treated and then supplied to the Delhi Gate’s elevated storage reservoir (ESR).
Even if 10 MLD of water were drawn daily during March, April and May, a substantial amount of water would still remain in the lake. Even if the monsoon arrives late, the lake would continue to have sufficient reserves. However, the water supply section does not appear to be treating the matter with the necessary seriousness. The deputy engineer (water supply), Kiran Dhande, confirmed that more than 7 MLD of water is currently being drawn. The withdrawal has to be managed keeping in mind certain operational difficulties at the water treatment plant, he said.