Bhayandar: “Water water everywhere, not a drop to drink” – this poetic line could sum up the pathetic condition of Mira Bhayandar which received a record quantum of rainfall which exceeded more than half its anticipated July quota in the first two opening days of the month itself.
However, the citizens of the twin-city continue to stare at an acute shortage of water, as the distribution management system of the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has gone for a toss owing to frequent power cuts at the pumping station and filth-mixed rainwater reaching the filtration plants. While the frequency of water supply hovers once in 32-35 hours, shutdowns and cuts add to woes by limiting supply to once in 50 hours.
As against the requirement of over 225 mld, the twin-city having a populace of more than 14 lakh has a total supply of around 176 mld out supplied jointly by the STEM water supply authority and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) from the Ulhas river and Barvi Dam respectively.
“Due to power cuts during heavy rains, the pumping stations stop lifting water, this apart from tackles created by thrash which gets stuck up in the filtration chambers.
Trash hampers with incoming rainwater and prevents pumps from operating. Even after resumption of power supply all pumps need restart one by one not only consumes lots of time but also puts a negative impact on the needed pressure.”
revealed a senior officer attached to the water supply department. While the average rain for July is 650 mm, the twin-city has already received 375 mm in the last 24 hours.
