Nagpur Plans Water Supply Strategy Through 2047
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation is developing a comprehensive water supply strategy to meet the city's needs until 2047, focusing on infrastructure and resource management.
Nagpur's population is projected to exceed 30 lakh by 2047, necessitating a long-term water supply plan.
The proposed Wainganga-Nalganga river-linking project aims to enhance water availability during monsoon.
Current reservoir levels are significantly lower than last year, highlighting the urgency for improved water management.
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is actively working on a detailed project report to outline the city's water supply requirements up to the year 2047. This initiative is crucial as the population of Nagpur is expected to surpass 30 lakh, necessitating a reevaluation of the existing water supply strategy, which was initially designed for a planning horizon ending in 2031.
To address future water demands, the NMC is considering several strategic measures. One key proposal involves the establishment of a water grid around the planned third outer ring road in the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) area. This grid aims to enhance the distribution and supply infrastructure as urban development expands, ensuring that the growing population has adequate access to water resources.
Another significant option under consideration is the Wainganga-Nalganga river-linking project. Estimated to cost around INR 94,912 crore, this project seeks to transfer surplus water from the Wainganga basin to the Nalganga basin. However, the feasibility of this plan hinges on determining the quantity of water available for municipal use, the necessary infrastructure for transportation, and the agreements required for resource sharing.
Additionally, the NMC is exploring the potential for increased wastewater recycling and water-swapping arrangements. Currently, the city recycles approximately 423.5 million litres of sewage water daily, with a substantial portion supplied to local thermal power plants. Expanding this recycling could significantly reduce reliance on fresh water for industrial purposes, reserving more for domestic consumption.
As the NMC continues to develop its long-term water supply strategy, it faces challenges due to declining reservoir levels. Recent data indicates that the Totladoh reservoir is operating at just 35.03% of its capacity, compared to 94.05% at the same time last year. The NMC's current supply of around 770 million litres per day exceeds the calculated requirement of 405 million litres for the projected population, necessitating a thorough assessment of consumption patterns and distribution efficiency. The detailed project report is expected to clarify the city's future water needs and outline necessary measures to enhance water security through 2047.
