Dharwad to get new pipeline by Oct, water supply to jump

Dharwad: Dharwad city, currently receiving 70 MLD water per day, is expected to get 242 MLD by October. A separate pipeline is planned between Dharwad and Amminabhavi at an estimated cost of Rs 37 crore. The project has been designed keeping in view the next 25 years of the city’s growth, utilising the Union govt’s Million Plus Challenge Fund.

Mayor Jyothi Patil told TOI that the project was approved in the last HDMC general body meeting following communication from the state government. “The current pipeline was constructed in 1984 and has 30% leakage, affecting water supply. The new line will be constructed parallel to the old one and will be leakage-proof as it will be cement-coated,” she added.

Iresh Anchatageri, floor leader, HDMC, said the proposal was sent to the Dharwad Deputy Commissioner, who sought clarification on whether it was included in the L&T project. The 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 DC level. “If it was a single package of Rs 30 crore, we would have had to seek government approval, which would have taken time,” he explained.

He further said execution of works involves supply of 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. The project also 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. The DC is expected to approve the project within a week. Tender process will be floated soon and work is expected to conclude by October.

HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali was unavailable for comment on the issue.