No water cut in Nagpur for now, civic body to focus on saving water and plugging leaks

There is relief for Nagpur residents. Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said there will be no cut in domestic water supply in the city for now. He directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation administration to focus on saving water, stopping leaks in water pipelines and reusing treated wastewater.

A review meeting was held on Saturday at Bachat Bhavan, as the city faces the possibility of a water shortage. The meeting took a detailed look at the water supply situation in rural as well as urban areas. A fall in the water stock in the Pench reservoir had raised the possibility of a water cut in the city.

The state government had directed that a 10 per cent water cut be imposed in the municipal area from October 16. However, keeping the festival season and the state of the water stocks in mind, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation had put off the decision. The administration has now chosen to focus on using the available water sparingly, without restricting domestic supply.

The corporation will carry out various measures to save water. Ten new hydrants will be set up in the city. Directions have also been given to trace leaks in water pipelines and repair them immediately. Preparations will also be made to set up solar power systems at about 400 wells.

Special emphasis will also be laid on increasing the reuse of treated wastewater. The plan is to use re-treated water for swimming pools, gardens and uses other than drinking. This is expected to ease the additional strain on drinking water.

The Kanhan-Kolar barrage project is considered important for Nagpur's future water supply. Its estimated cost is Rs 952 crore. The detailed project report has been submitted to the Chief Minister, and the proposal has also been sent to the state government.

Meanwhile, approval has been given for 190 MCM of water from Pench up to August 2027. This is expected to bring stability to the city's long-term water supply.

MLA Praveen Datke, MLA Krishna Khopde, Mayor Nita Thakre, Municipal Commissioner Dr Vipin Itankar and senior officials attended the meeting. The review of rural areas was held from 2 pm to 4 pm and that of urban areas from 4 pm to 6 pm.