As reservoirs run low, VMC seeks 30 MLD more Narmada water

Vadodara: With water levels in key reservoirs dropping sharply and complaints of irregular supply increasing across parts of the city, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has decided to procure an additional 30 million litres per day (MLD) of water from the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNNL) for the next month to maintain drinking water supply.

Municipal commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu said the delayed onset of the monsoon has put the city’s traditional water sources under stress, making Vadodara increasingly dependent on Narmada water.

“Last year, available water reserves were sufficient till May. This year, the monsoon has been delayed and the water distribution system has been affected by several factors. We are therefore arranging an additional 30 MLD of Narmada water for a month to ensure smooth supply,” he said.

The decision was taken after a series of review meetings on Tuesday. The worst-affected areas are wards 4 and 5 in the east zone and wards 13 and 14 in the north zone. VMC officials said special attention would be given to these localities to ensure equitable distribution of water.

Officials said water levels in reservoirs supplying the city, including Ajwa, have reached critical levels. The water level in the Ajwa reservoir was reported at around 206.4 feet. As reservoir levels continue to fall, reliance on external sources such as the Narmada canal has become essential to sustain supply, officials added.

To curb wastage and unauthorised consumption, the VMC has decided to form special water squads in all four city zones. The teams will identify and disconnect illegal water connections, seize unauthorised booster pumps and take action against practices that disrupt equitable distribution.

The civic body is also reviewing water demand from newly developed residential societies. Officials said builders are responsible for meeting water requirements of such projects during the first six months and a list of developers is being prepared for scrutiny.

Vadodara’s water supply system currently has a capacity of around 750 MLD. The city’s primary sources include the Narmada canal network, the Mahi river and the Ajwa reservoir. Civic authorities expressed hope that substantial monsoon inflows in the coming weeks would ease pressure on the system.