Water Supply

MMRDA itching to get started on Eastern Waterways project

Wednesday, 28 April 2010 11:02 administrator

Indian Express 28.04.2010

MMRDA itching to get started on Eastern Waterways project

Swapnil Rawal Tags : MMRDA Eastern Waterways project, mumbai Posted: Wednesday, Apr 28, 2010 at 2328 hrs

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority will invite tenders soon for the Eastern Waterways project, waiting only for the cabinet to communicate officially that it is in charge of the project, formerly with the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation that has failed to attract private parties.

The project has a budgetary provision of Rs 100 crore. The modalities were discussed at a “war room” meeting on Monday and the MMRDA expects cabinet approval in a week, a Mantralaya official said.

The MMRDA has proposed two water transport services on the eastern waterfront - the first between Ferry Wharf and Vashi, Neral and Belapur and the second one a roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) ferry service to carry both people and vehicles between Ferry Wharf and Mandva Jetty near Alibaug.

The passenger service would supplement the saturated suburban railway system on the eastern side of the city. The government has a long-drawn plan to start similar services on the western waterfront, too, but it has not moved for many years.

The MMRDA is ready with the paperwork and will soon invite private operators to start services. “All inspections have been done at Vashi and Neral while a survey will start now at Belapur. The allocations will be used on infrastructure: building terminals, dredging and building food stalls,” another senior official said.

According to the official, the MMRDA is likely to start the passenger ferry service first as the Mandva jetty has to be refurbished entirely. “This is not a major issue but it will take more time,” the official added.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 April 2010 11:10

Drinking water being used for construction, allege activists

Tuesday, 27 April 2010 10:39 administrator

The Times of India 27.04.2010

Drinking water being used for construction, allege activists

TNN, Apr 27, 2010, 04.20am IST

PUNE: City-based Sajag Nagrik Manch (SNM) has demanded that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) should take immediate steps to stop use of drinking water for construction activities.

In a press statement, Vivek Velankar, president, SNM, has stated that the Pune municipal commissioner had recently spoke of water crisis. "We are informing the municipal commissioner about the use of drinking water for construction activities. The PMC had issued no objection certificates for many constructions after the developer had given in writing that they will not use drinking water in construction activities. However, many developers in the city are using PMC's drinking water for construction," said Velankar.

He added that the city has 10 centres for filling water tankers. "The timeline of the tankers can be seen at these centres. When citizens are not getting sufficient water, where does this water go? The PMC has no mechanism to check if the tankers which take water on nominal charges form the PMC provide the same to citizens or is used for construction activities," said Velankar.

Sanjay Arde, a citizen from Shaniwar Peth has alleged that the developer of the site 325/1 A Shantainagar in Shaniwar Peth has been given permission for development of the site after he has given a written assurance that construction will be carried out with the water available from bore on the site. "However, there is no bore on this site, and yet, the PMC has given permission for construction," alleged Arde.

"This is not a single case. There are many such instances in the city and municipal commissioner should look into the matter," demanded Velankar.

Water woes study to tap solution

Tuesday, 27 April 2010 05:40 administrator

Deccan Chronicle 27.04.2010

Water woes study to tap solution

April 26th, 2010

DC Correspondent

Tags: conservation, summer, Water shortage

April 25: With severe water shortage leaving the city high and dry over the last few years, there is an urgent need to review Bengaluru’s water policies with detailed studies of its area-wise groundwater capacity and consumption, experts say. With a water crisis looming over the horizon for Bengalureans, the need of the hour is to implement measures for its conservation.

According to citizen welfare association Praja, the crisis has reached such high proportions that it is difficult to assess the magnitude of the problem in Bengaluru.

To remedy the situation, the organisation is initiating a project that will review the water health of the city using various parameters.

“The water index aims to develop a study of water consumption, availability and wastage among other factors that will determine the attitude of this city towards this crucial resource. It will also be an indicator to reflect the present situation and how much worse it may get in the city,” says Shekhar Mittal, a member of Praja.

The organisation, that has set certain parameters for the project, feels that clear, consolidated data is required to define how serious the city’s water woes are and propose effective solutions.

For the project, the team is hoping to work with government agencies and NGOs apart from research institutes in the city to obtain data. “There is little information available on the water usage of the city. Information on groundwater availability with a focus on the cause of uneven distribution across different areas will be sought. Water availability is not the only issue. Equity too is a key factor here,” adds Mr Mittal. The project, that will commence soon, is focused on water conservation in the long run. It also hopes to reach out to Bengalureans.

“There is a need to change people’s attitude and help them better understand the situation. It would be ideal to create a local water cycle in this city,” says Mr Mittal, adding that over a period of time, the index will be able to present a comparative picture of the quality, quantity, accessibility and reliability of water supply across various areas of the city.

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