DMC mulls alternative water supply system

Kolkata: The Durgapur Municipal Corporation (DMC) is developing infrastructure for an alternative water distribution system for both domestic and industrial use. The DMC is installing as many as 36 deep tubewells at places where there are overhead reservoirs which will draw water from the ground and store it in the reservoir.

"Till date, Damodar river has been the only source of water for the residents of Durgapur. Water from the Damodar river was treated and then supplied through pipeline for both domestic and industrial use. The idea is to be prepared for an alternative if there is any calamity that may disrupt the sully system in the township," Dilip Kumar Agasty, Mayor of DMC said. The project will entail a cost of Rs 12 crore and the DMC hopes to complete it before the onset of the monsoon season. "The tender process has already been completed and work will start soon," Agasty said.

The DMC is also taking up a major project 'Storm Water Drainage Project' to prevent waterlogging. It may be mentioned that during last monsoon the underground sewerage system had collapsed completely during the monsoon. In the month of October 2017, there was heavy rain that inundated several areas under the DMC including Tamla, Main Gate, Waria, Mana and Khatpukur. About 2,500 households were affected. The DMC does not want similar situations.

"We have done a survey with the assistance of engineers from Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA). Our plan is to channelise the rain water through high drain to the small rivers like Tamla and Kumur that flows through the township area. The depth of the high drains also needs to be enhanced for which massive desiltation work needs to be undertaken," the Mayor said.

The work for preparing the DPR has already been initiated. Agasty met state Urban Development & Municipal Affairs minister Firhad Hakim in his chamber at Writers' Building recently and the latter had assured that funds will not be a problem for projects that are meant to benefit people.