Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
A large-scale water leakage has been reported from 11 gates constructed in the Jayakwadi Dam, which supplies water to the city. Concerns have been raised that when the coffer dam (cement barricades) in the dam is removed in the future, silt may enter the jackwell, potentially creating a major problem. The Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) has reportedly remained silent on this serious issue. Notably, around Rs 100 crore has been spent on constructing the jackwell.
Several shocking issues are emerging in the Rs 2,740 crore new water supply scheme. Officials from MJP reportedly have no answer to how the silt entering the jackwell, constructed at a cost of Rs 100 crore, will be removed. After the matter was exposed by the newspaper two weeks ago, it has come to light that large holes have developed in the 11 gates of the jackwell, causing significant water leakage.
The urgency to bring water to the city as quickly as possible appears to have led to serious shortcomings in the project. Before constructing the jackwell, coffer dams were built in the water at a cost of around Rs 18 crore. In the future, once these coffer dams are removed, the jackwell will be surrounded by water on all sides. Gates have been installed to allow water into the jackwell, but damage has been observed beneath these gates, leading to substantial water leakage.
After removal of coffer dams
There are concerns that once the coffer dams are removed, silt could be pushed into the jackwell due to water pressure and may eventually clog it completely. Despite the seriousness of the issue, MJP officials appear unwilling to take action. Experts from the project advisory committee are also involved, and the municipal corporation provides occasional support. Even then, significant flaws in the project continue to emerge.
Leakage already sealed, says company official
GVPR company’s chief manager Mahendra Gogulothu said that the situation occurred during testing of the jackwell. He said divers were called and the leakage was subsequently sealed. According to him, there is currently no major leakage in the jackwell.