Pune: Direct Water Supply From Andra Dam Planned To Curb Losses, PCMC Submits Proposal
Pune: Direct Water Supply From Andra Dam Planned To Curb Losses, PCMC Submits Proposal
Pimpri: Despite having an approved quota of 100 MLD (million liters per day) from Andhra Dam, the city currently receives only 50-60 MLD due to significant water losses during transportation. To address this, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has proposed a direct pipeline from the dam to the city, eliminating leakage and ensuring a steady water supply.
The proposal, submitted to the irrigation department, seeks approval for the construction of a water pipeline, jackwell, pump house, and substation. PCMC currently lifts water from the Indrayani River via the Nighoje Barrage, but a substantial amount of water is lost en route. Although 150 MLD is released from the dam, only 100 MLD reaches the barrage, leading to supply shortages.
To resolve this, PCMC has surveyed a 9.5 km route from Andhra Dam to the break-pressure tank at Navlakh Umbre. The pipeline will pass through land owned by MIDC, farmers, the Public Works Department, and the Forest Department. The corporation has requested necessary land permissions from the irrigation department. Additionally, PCMC plans to acquire one acre of land at Mauje Shire near the dam for infrastructure, including a jackwell, pump house, and internal roads.
Project to Cost ₹208 Crore
Currently, water is released into the Indrayani River and then lifted from the Nighoje Barrage, leading to heavy water losses and contamination. A direct pipeline will reduce purification costs and provide residents with cleaner water. The estimated cost of the project is ₹208 crore.
The irrigation department has responded positively to the proposal, and the tendering process will begin once final approvals are received, stated PCMC’s Joint City Engineer for Water Supply, Ajay Suryavanshi as per a news report.
