Dharwad city, currently receiving 70 MLD (million litres per day) of water, is set to see a significant increase to 242 MLD by October this year. To achieve this, a separate pipeline will be laid between Dharwad and Amminabhavi at an estimated cost of Rs 37 crore. The project has been designed to meet the city's water needs for the next 25 years, utilizing the Union government's Million Plus Challenge Fund.
Project Approval and Background
Mayor Jyothi Patil informed the Times of India that the project was approved during the last general body meeting of the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) following communication from the state government. She explained that the current pipeline, constructed in 1984, suffers from 30% leakage, adversely affecting water supply. The new pipeline will run parallel to the old one and will be leakage-proof due to a cement coating.
Technical Details and Execution
Iresh Anchatageri, floor leader of HDMC, stated that the proposal was sent to the Dharwad Deputy Commissioner, who sought clarification on whether it was part of the L&T project. The Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC), the nodal agency executing the project, clarified that it is not part of the L&T project. Since it is a drinking water project, it has been divided into seven packages to enable approval at the Deputy Commissioner level. Anchatageri noted, "If it was a single package of Rs 30 crore, we would have had to seek government approval, which would have taken time."
The execution of works involves supplying MS pipeline of minimum 700 mm diameter, including internal lining, external guniting, excavation, pipe laying, jointing, and hydro-testing, for a minimum length of 15 km. Additionally, the project includes supply, delivery, and installation of stainless steel expansion bellows of 700 mm diameter pipeline, AISI 304 grade, multiphase and multi-convoluted universal bellows with welded end sockets (minimum five numbers), and construction of pipe-rack bridges for crossing streams (nalas) with a minimum length of 60 metres.
Timeline and Next Steps
The Deputy Commissioner is expected to approve the project within a week. Following approval, the tender process will be initiated, and work is expected to be completed by October. HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali was unavailable for comment on the issue.
