Civic body to replace old water pipelines in south Mumbai

Contaminated water supply, one of the major problems faced by south Mumbai residents, might soon be brought under control. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to replace the old, corroded water pipelines in the island city with new ones.

Contaminated water supply, one of the major problems faced by south Mumbai residents, might soon be brought under control.

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to replace the old, corroded water pipelines in the island city with new ones.

The two proposals for the work in wards A to E will be placed before the civic standing committee for final approval on Thursday. The cost of the project is Rs 35.49 crore.

Civic officials said that the pipelines have been laid years ago in south Mumbai and are the major cause of water contamination. "Since 2005, we have been replacing old water pipelines in the city in phases. Pipelines in the island city are very old and in need of replacement," said Ramesh Bhambale, chief hydraulic engineer, BMC.

However, the bids received for the work have been 22 to 23 per cent lower than the estimated cost.

The civic budget for 2013-14 had promised an overhaul of old water pipelines as a long-term measure to check water contamination. "Leaky water connections and surcharged sewerage system lead to contaminated. I propose to lay suitable size of water mains on passages of slum colonies and remove bunch of connections and renew pipelines in house gullies," commissioner Sitaram Kunte had said in his budget speech.

The civic body also plans to check choked sewer lines in the area. "As sewage and water pipes run alongside each other in the island city, contaminated water enters the water pipes through leakage points," said a senior civic official, on condition of anonymity, as he is not authorised to speak to the media.