Indore: Indore has received about 37 per cent less rain than average this year. Groundwater levels have fallen, and several water bodies have stored very little water.
The focus is now on developing alternative water sources. The aim is to reduce dependence on Narmada water and cut groundwater extraction. The district administration has planned to develop Choral, Tincha and Sheetla Mata Falls as water sources. The project is currently being examined.
Indore Could Get Water
Experts associated with the project claim that Tincha Falls could develop a storage capacity of 120 million to 150 million cubic metres of water.
There is also a plan to develop other water sources around Mhow. If this happens, 50 MLD of Narmada water that goes to Mhow could start reaching Indore.
The plan also involves developing several ponds and water bodies nearby. Water from them would be brought to Asrawad or Limbodi.
If all goes well, the project report will be submitted to the district administration. A decision will be taken on that basis.
Groundwater Level Could Improve
Narmada water is supplied to the city for drinking. It is also given for irrigation along the way. The supply continues even after the crop season. At many places, water is drawn using motors. This water can be lifted from ponds around Asrawad or Limbodi and brought in.
Overflow water flows in the Kanad river for 12 months. It reaches Tincha. This water can be held by building a stop dam.
If this water is brought to the city's Limbodi pond, groundwater levels in several colonies along the bypass would improve.
Water Harvesting and Conservation Needed
There are several alternative sources within 40 to 50 km of the city. Working on them could increase water capacity through harvesting and conservation.
Some years ago, the then mayor Krishnamurari Moghe had planned to bring rainwater flowing in the Choral river to the city. Not enough work was done on increasing water sources in the past decade.
The municipal corporation now needs to look for sources other than Narmada and Yashwant Sagar. Water from different sources can be held by building stop dams and brought to new ponds in the city. This could also recharge groundwater through aquifers.
What Can Be Done
Suresh MG, a water management expert, said: "Work is under way on plans to develop water sources other than the Narmada. The aim of alternative sources is not to create a new source but to set up a network. All points are being examined for this. The report will be submitted to the district administration. The initial assessment has made it clear that a new parallel water network can be set up in the city. This network will provide water and also raise the groundwater level."
Understanding the Water System
Water reaches the Kanad river from Patalpani. This water, along with water from nearby areas, flows into Tincha.
An intake structure can be developed beyond Tincha. Water can then be pumped to Asrawad. A pipeline can bring it from there to the Limbodi pond. About 15 km of pipeline would have to be laid across the whole network.
Key Points of the Project
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Proposed capacity | 50 MLD (5 crore litres a day) |
| Total length | 14-15 km |
| Tincha-Kanad to Asrawad | 9.8 km |
| Asrawad to Limbodi | 4.4 km |
| Likely pipe diameter | 800-900 mm |
| Pumping head | To be decided after site survey (estimated 20-80 metres) |
| Intermediate reservoir | 1-2 million cubic metres |