SURAT: As the first ever experiment in the country to provide recycled (treated industrial grade) water to industrial houses is all set to take off in the city, 17 agencies have already shown interest in bidding for this project. While these interested parties attended a pre-bid presentation organized by Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), the final nod is awaited from the standing committee during a meeting on Friday.

"We had bidders from all over the country. Most of them are Indian branches of foreign firms, which have the technology for this kind of a project," said Jatin Shah, SMC drainage engineer. The interested parties included Infrastructure Leasing and Finance Services (IL&FS), Hyflux (Water), Degremont Technologies and Triveni Group, Shah added.

"We see this as a viable project at present. But, our bidders need to come out with estimated cost of the project as this will be the first of its kind to recycle 40 million litre (MLD) of water per day," said Municipal Commissioner S Aparna, adding that this will enable SMC to save 40 MLD of drinking water daily.

According to sources, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which has agreed to finance the project, has appointed Imac Consultancy Services as the consultant for the project. The consultant is reportedly already carrying out all the groundwork needed because if an approval is given on Friday, offers from agencies will start pouring in by September 15.

Meanwhile, as the final approval is awaited, observers find it likely that the project will be accepted without any hitch by the ruling party considering the enthusiasm shown by the industries of Pandesara region where the water will be supplied. However, cost is a factor. Although SMC will not have to spend from its coffers, this being a public private partnership (PPP) undertaking, the cost at which the water will be supplied to the industries will definitely tilt the scales of acceptance.

(Inputs by Sandesh)