Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Testing of the 2,500 mm diametre water pipeline, laid to meet the city’s water needs, is currently underway. On Tuesday afternoon at Dhorkin, after transporting water 36 km from Jayakwadi, a weld at the pipeline’s scour valve gave way, causing significant water leakage. Due to the presence of water, silt, and mud at the repair site, no major work could be carried out on Wednesday. Pumps were deployed throughout the day to remove water and silt. Welding is expected to be completed on Thursday, with testing likely to resume on Friday.
Testing began on March 23, with water being transported up to 4 km daily to clean the pipeline. Of the total 38 km length, water has reached up to 36 km. On Tuesday, water had reached just 2 km from the Nakshatrawadi water treatment plant (WTP), and it was expected to arrive at the plant by evening. However, the weld near the scour valve at Dhorkin gave way, leading to a large water spill. Pumping was stopped, and water from the 6 km stretch was being drained. The task was continued till Wednesday morning.
Approximately 30 million litres of water were in the pipeline. Officials from the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) and the municipal corporation said that the repair work will continue until the site is ready for welding. The work to remove silt and empty the pipeline was continued till the evening. Hence the testing of pipeline is expected to resume on Friday, said the sources.
Fallen Tree Delays Work
The soil is black in the area. A tree had also fallen at the repair site, adding to the delay. Its branches were cut and cleared on Wednesday. Officials estimate that if repairs are not completed by Thursday evening, work may continue on Friday before testing can resume.