Mumbai: The state govt has approved a BMC proposal to construct an 8-km underground water tunnel from Pise to Panjrapur. Currently, there are four pipelines that ferry 2,020 million litres daily (MLD) from Pise to Panjrapur from Bhatsa dam. These pipelines were commissioned in 1979, 1986, 1996 and 2007, respectively, and are between 47 and 19 years old.At Yewai in Panjrapur, around 1,450 MLD is treated and supplied to the eastern suburbs and island city. The balance is transported to Bhandup Main Balancing Reservoir, where it is treated and supplied to the western suburbs and island city.In a govt resolution issued on Monday, the state urban development department stated it had received a proposal from BMC for the underground water tunnel. Considering the age of the pipelines, the limitations of the current water transport system, the space shortage, the construction of an additional pumping station, and future water demand, BMC had sought govt approval for an underground water tunnel. At present, work on an underground water tunnel is underway from Yewai to Mulund, said civic officials.Some of the conditions for granting approval include ensuring that buildings/structures in the path of the water tunnel excavation are not endangered. Necessary approvals are to be obtained from MoEFCC and the Groundwater Survey Ministry. BMC should ensure the tunnel boring machine is selected only after a complete study of the geology. Ensure no disastrous situations arise during and after completion of work on account of heavy rains during the monsoon period. Measures such as silencers, sound barriers, rubber mats for trucks handling sludge, hydraulically operated crane hoisting system, etc. are to be taken as necessary to keep the intensity of noise below 55 dB. Necessary measures are to be taken to avoid inconvenience by studying the impacts on traffic caused by the excavation.
