Nagpur: The Second Capital of the State is experiencing scorching summer with day-time temperatures exceeding 42 degrees Celsius. In response to the increased demand for water caused by the extreme heat, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has taken measures to augment the water supply.
According to Shweta Banerjee, the Executive Engineer of the Water Works Department, the NMC has boosted the water supply by nearly 5 million litres per day (MLD). This increment has set a new record, bringing the total water supply to 710.30MLD.
Wenesday Rate
Wed 25 Dec. 2024
The NMC had already raised the pumping capacity by 25MLD in April, elevating the total supply from 680MLD (maintained until March this year) to 705MLD. However, as the temperatures continued to rise, the NMC implemented a second hike of approximately 5MLD. As a result, the current water supply to Nagpur stands at 710.30MLD, marking the highest supply level ever recorded by the civic body.
On average, the NMC typically supplies around 660-680MLD of water. Of this amount, approximately 217-218MLD is sourced from the Kanhan River, while the remaining portion is pumped from the Pench River.
Fortunately, recent rainfall has ensured a consistent flow of water in the Kanhan River, alleviating any scarcity concerns this year. In previous summer seasons, the NMC used to release water from the right bank canal into the Kanhan River to maintain a smooth supply of drinking water to half of Nagpur city.
Data obtained from the Water Works Department reveals that the highest quantity of water is being supplied to areas falling under the Dharampeth Zone, amounting to almost 104.53MLD. The Ashi Nagar Zone, which has a scattered population, receives a supply of 82.95MLD. Conversely, the lowest quantity is being supplied to areas under the Dhantoli Zone.
With the increased water supply, there has been a significant reduction in the reliance on water tankers. The NMC currently operates 162 tankers, which cater to non-network areas across ten zones. This represents a notable decrease compared to the 214 tankers utilized in non-network areas during 2022.
Manoj Sangole, a former Congress Corporator, noted that there is no water shortage in North Nagpur areas this year. Previously, residents in areas such as Sanyal Nagar, Takshashila Nagar, Nara, and Nari faced severe water crises during the summer, often relying on water tanker deliveries to meet their daily needs. However, the situation has reversed this year, with citizens now receiving an adequate water supply through taps.
Sangole mentioned that water pipelines in areas like Sanyal Nagar and Takshashila Nagar were previously inactive, but the NMC initiated water supply to these regions before the onset of summer.
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has taken proactive steps to meet the escalating water demand caused by the scorching temperatures. The increase in water supply, coupled with favourable river conditions and reduced reliance on tankers, has ensured that citizens of Nagpur have access to sufficient water during this challenging period.
