Water reaches Nakshatrawadi after a 30-year wait

City to receive water within a month

New pipeline areas to wait longer

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

In a major milestone for over 1.8 million residents, water from Jayakwadi dam reached the Nakshatrawadi water treatment plant on Tuesday, marking the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The achievement comes after 30 years of anticipation and five years of continuous effort.

Officials and staff of Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran, the municipal corporation, and GVPR celebrated with fireworks as water gushed into the plant. The long-awaited moment left many emotional. However, it will take about a month for water to reach household taps, while areas with newly laid pipelines may have to wait until Diwali.

Testing of the 2500 mm diameter pipeline had been underway since March 23. Though scheduled for 10:00 am, water reached the plant at 1:50 pm on Tuesday. As it began flowing, chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya,” “Har Har Mahadev,” and “Godamai ki Jai” filled the air. Municipal commissioner Amol Yedage performed the ritual, while chief engineer Manisha Palande and GVPR’s Mahendra Gogalathu were present. The flow continued till 2:45 pm before being stopped.

Water successfully lifted 86 feet

The treatment plant, located 86 feet above the main road, received water without any leakage despite high pressure, marking a successful trial.

Next steps underway

Pipeline cleaning from Jayakwadi to Nakshatrawadi is complete. Reverse cleaning will now be carried out using full pressure, with scour valves opened every 4–6 km.

Before full supply begins, minor works, testing, purification, chlorination, and licensing will be completed over the next 8–10 days. An additional 50–60 MLD water will be fed into the existing MBR system, ensuring supply every two to three days. Areas with new pipelines will receive water later.

Phase one complete, bigger task ahead

The 38 km pipeline from Jayakwadi to Nakshatrawadi marks a crucial first phase. The next challenge is citywide distribution through a 1500 mm main pipeline and five reservoirs. A roadmap has been prepared to complete the project within a year.

“A moment of immense joy”

Chief engineer Manisha Palande said, the success came after overcoming technical challenges with government support and will significantly boost supply.

“Result of tireless efforts”

GVPR’s general manager Mahendra Gogalathu said continuous work since 2023 made it possible, with efforts ongoing to deliver water to citizens at the earliest.