Indian Express 26.05.2010
Two more pumping stations in two weeks
Express News Service Tags : pumping stations, mumbai Posted: Wed May 26 2010, 23:26 hrs
Mumbai: The much awaited Haji Ali Pumping Station and Irla Pumping Station are expected to start functioning in two weeks.If the monsoon arrives earlier than expected, the Haji Ali Pumping Station may be used for pumping out storm water, said Chandrakant Watave, chief engineer, storm water drainage department of the BMC. “Although the official inauguration might take time, several paper works need to be completed. The pumping station will start functioning in two weeks,” said Watave. The Irla Pumping Station will also be functional soon, said Watave.
Meanwhile, standing committee chairman Rahul Shewale and some members visited some sites to check the status of nullah cleaning on Tuesday.
As part of the Brihanmumbai Storm Water Drainage (BRIMSTOWAD) project, the two pumping stations are being built at the key outfalls of Haji Ali in Worli, and Irla nullah in Andheri. The civic body has roped in a South Korean firm to provide them with necessary equipment.
The Haji Ali Pumping Station is expected to help the civic body tackle flooding in areas like Nanachowk, Slater Road, Tardeo Road and parts of Peddar Road. Haji Ali Pumping Station, the total cost of which is around Rs 70 crore, will also cater to parts of the catchment area of LoveGrove Pumping Station.
The Haji Ali Pumping Station has six pumps and has a total capacity of 36 cubic metre per second. According to civic officials, if these two projects are completed, the city will have some respite from the problems due to floods that it faces each year.
According to officials, the Irla Pumping Station Project will bring respite to areas of Milan Subway, Andheri East, Santacruz West, areas near Vile Parle station and Sahar Road Junction.
“After the Irla Pumping Station becomes functional, there will not be flooding in Andheri and nearby areas,” said officials.
“Around 70-80 per cent of the nullah cleaning work has been done in the city area,” said Rahul Shewale.
The committee members have also directed the administration to complete the nullah cleaning work in the JK Chemicals and Pratikshanagar Nullah near Anik depot before May 31.
There will be strict action against those contractors and BMC officials who do not finish the nullah cleaning work before May 31, said Rahul Shewale.
