The BWSSB is launching a project on Saturday that will see replacement of underground drainage lines and zero-flow of sewage into the lakes in the Vrushabhavathi valley.
The Rs 27.15 crore project, that will replace 10.2 km of pipeline, will help Malleswaram, Rajajinagara, Sriramapura and parts of Basavanagudi.
This is the first of four major work packages to be undertaken in the Vrushabhavathi valley.
Tender notices for the other three packages have not received any response from contractors and the BWSSB is going to call for fresh tenders soon.
Work on all the four packages is to be completed in one year’s time. A total of 19.7 km of pipeline will be replaced in the valley at a total cost of Rs 80 crore for all four packages.
“The work is part of the BWSSB’s ongoing effort under the Environment Action Plan (EAP) to replace all old pipelines in the city to minimise sewage leakage.
This will stop sewage from entering storm water drains and drinking water pipelines. It will also ensure that sewage is properly channelled to sewage treatment plants (STP) and can be treated for reuse.
Most sewage treatment plants in the city operate much below their capacity as they receive low inflow because sewage leaks out of the pipes before reaching the STP,” said a BWSSB official.
Meanwhile, tenders have been awarded and UGD replacement work is expected to start shortly in three out of the four planned packages in Koramangala valley. The tender for the fourth package is to be called shortly.
Govt to regulate private tankers
Soon, mindless extraction of groundwater and supply of untested drinking water through private water tankers might come to an end.
Thanks to the Karnataka Ground Water (Regulation and Control of Development and Management) Act 2011, which bestows special powers to the government to regulate use of groundwater.
On Saturday, the newly constituted Karnataka Ground Water Authority will hold its first meeting to frame rules and explore ways to regulate drilling of borewells and ensure safe drinking water.
The 17-member Authority will be chaired by the minor irrigation secretary and will have secretaries of various interrelated departments, like minor irrigation, rural development and panchayat raj and urban development,as its members.