Only five feet usable water remain in Upper Lake
Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal, The city could face water scarcity in near future. The water level in Upper Lake and Kolar has fallen giving rise to the concerns that there would not be enough drinking water during the coming summer season.
Compared to the last year, the level on Upper Lake is about 1.5 feet less than what it was the last year in the month of January. It is reported that only five feet usable water is left in Upper Lake and after this it will reach dead storage level. Sources revealed there could be reduction in water supply from the lake from February 1.
Many localities in Old Bhopal receive their water supply from Upper Lake and they would be affected. However it is planned to complete the work on new Kolar pipeline by March and begin supply from it by April.
At present about 30 MGD water is being taken daily from the lake. In such a scenario the water will last only till April and so water management is essential to avert possible crisis. Last year the lake had reached dead storage level of 1652 feet in June but this time it is likely to reach even earlier as lake’s level after last year’s rainy season was one foot more than this year.
To ensure availability of water during summer months of May and June water rationing is essential. Currently water is unofficially supplied on alternate days or with low pressure in areas like Bairagarh, Idgah Hills etc that depend on Upper Lake for the supply.However, now other localities of Old Bhopal including Jawahar Chowk, Banganga will get water supply on alternate days.
Currently 104 MGD water is supplied through Narmada network (40 MGD), Kolar (34 MGD) and Upper Lake (30 MGD). The supply from the lake would be reducd to 15 MGD. The BMC officials are also planning to supply Narmada and Kolar water in Old City to reduce pressure on Upper Lake.
The alternate day supply was resorted to in the city in 2009 following less rainfall. The arrangement continued till 2012. However, the daily water resumed in 2013 after the Upper Lake reached its full tank level (FTL) after bountiful rainfall. But this time the Upper Lake level is 6 feet short of FTL.
Water supply to BHEL from Upper Lake
The water to BHEL township and factory is being supplied through Upper Lake. The lake is supplying only half of the requirement. BHEL is not getting any supply from Kolar or Narmada although it has the connection.
No supply from Kolar
It has been revealed that it is not possible to supply water through Kolar in areas that are currently receiving supply from Upper Lake. Attempts were made at some places to supply through Kolar but there was no full response.
In such a scenario more than 24 MGD water is taken on some days from Upper Lake. The situation is likely to become grim during summer months as then the loss through evaporation would also increase.