Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Obstacles continue in the new water supply scheme. While testing of the pipeline was underway on Friday, it was noticed near Karkin village that the welding of the main 2500 mm diameter pipeline had come apart. The testing process was immediately halted, and the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) instructed GVPR Company to carry out repairs. The welding joint is expected to be completed by Sunday evening, after which testing will resume on Monday morning or afternoon.
The distance from Jayakwadi Dam to the Nakshatrawadi water treatment plant is 38 km, and a 2500 mm diameter pipeline has been laid along this stretch. The MJP has been conducting tests using hydraulic and ultrasonic systems. The court had earlier permitted testing using both these methods. On March 19, the day of Gudi Padwa, water from the dam was released into the pipeline. Since then, the pipeline has been cleaned and checked for leakages over a stretch of 4 km each day.
Water is being pumped into the pipeline using a 3700 horsepower pump, maintaining pressure up to 12, which will eventually be increased to at least 16. Under lower pressure, cleaning has been completed for 14 km of the pipeline, and no major leakages were found. However, while attempting to extend the water flow up to Karkin on Friday, the welding failure at one point was detected. Testing was stopped, and repair work was initiated, according to MJP sources.
As a large volume of water was present in the pipeline, repair work could not begin immediately. The pipeline was first emptied, after which welding work commenced. The work is expected to be completed by Sunday afternoon. From Monday morning, cleaning and testing of the pipeline will resume beyond Karkin. Water has already been stored up to Dhorkin, and it has been held back using a butterfly valve, which is expected to speed up the process of moving water forward.
Testing intended to identify faults
The water supply scheme is designed for the next 50 years. In such a large project, minor defects are natural. The testing process is intended to identify and rectify these issues at an early stage. Minor repairs can be carried out now, ensuring smooth operation of the scheme in the future. MJP officials also said that more minor faults may be detected during testing.