Chandigarh: The municipal corporation has constituted a water management cell for the city to work on short-term and long-term water sustainability. The cell will focus on detecting non-revenue water — treated water lost before reaching consumers — identifying and resolving low-pressure areas, checking illegal borewells, ensuring the effective functioning of tubewells, and addressing machinery and mechanical issues.The cell, comprising several engineering officers from the MC’s public health wing, will also coordinate with consultants to ensure uninterrupted water supply across the city. Members will compile and analyse data required to address water-related issues. The MC chief engineer will technically supervise and monitor the exercise on a regular basis, sources said.“Addressing technical and mechanical aspects will be crucial for the water management cell to meet the city’s increasing water demands. A detailed project report, in collaboration with a private consultant, is under consideration. The cell will also work on ideas and measures to conserve water,” a senior MC official told TOI.MC sources underlined the need for proper management of tubewells, which account for a significant share of Chandigarh’s water supply.“Most tubewells are located in densely populated areas that face crisis-like situations during the peak summer season. Working out permanent solutions for such pockets and improving the condition of tubewells to ensure uninterrupted supply will be among the key functions of the cell,” sources said.Box: Waterworks timings changedIn view of rising demand during the peak summer season, the MC has changed timings of several waterworks in the city. The facilities, which earlier operated from 4am to 9am will now work from 3.30am to 9am. The move aims to ensure timely supply with full pressure.Box: Water supply to the cityCurrently, the MC supplies approximately 104 MGD of water to Chandigarh. Of this, 87 MGD comes from the canal through the Bhakra main line, while around 17 MGD is supplied through over 200 tubewells at multiple locations.MSID:: 130717898 413 |
