Indore’s 650 km water pipelines face severe damage:Over 500 water leak points reported citywide; leaving residents across all wards struggling for drinking water

The city’s drinking water distribution system is in a dangerous condition. A study done by the municipal corporation under the Amrit 2 scheme has revealed serious problems. The report shows that many water supply lines in the city are more than 50 years old. Out of a total 3,500 km drinking water pipeline network, around 650 km of pipelines have become old and damaged. The study also found that nearly 40 percent water loss is happening within the city itself. This means water is leaking and seeping out from the pipelines at many places. Due to these leakages, the entire distribution system is weak and unsafe. Another major concern is that the system is being handled mostly by unskilled staff. Only 10 percent of the Public Health Engineering staff linked with the Narmada Project are trained and skilled. As per the requirement, 32 engineers are needed to manage the system, but currently only four engineers are working. At the tank and field level, only 20 percent of the technical staff is available. Most of the work is being done by muster workers and private agencies. Officials say that 15 to 17 percent line loss happens regularly, and more than 40 percent of this loss occurs in distribution lines. This clearly shows that leakages are common. Because of these leakages, contaminated elements enter the drinking water. Areas like Juni Indore, Juna Risala, Mill Area, Jabran Colony, Azad Nagar, Musakhedi, Bhagirathpura, Labariya Bheru, Chandannagar and Banganga are facing more problems. In many of these areas, mixed water supply is reported. Leakages occur daily, making these localities major hotspots for contaminated drinking water. Indore’s Water Old lines not closed In many areas, dual lines, meaning both new and old lines, continue to distribute water. Old lines were connected to new ones. Connections from old lines were also not shifted to new ones. 20 to 30 percent of connections are not shifted. Leakage in empty lines
Water is supplied every other day in the city. After supply, the line remains empty for 30 to 40 hours. In many places, there are sewage lines built near the water lines. The vacuum created in the lines draws in this dirty water. Narmada line connected to borewell Upon complaints of low water pressure, public representatives at many places got borewells drilled and connected them to the Narmada line. At some locations, water is being distributed after building sumps. When borewells malfunction, Narmada water also gets contaminated. Major challenge – coordination The biggest challenge in this entire system is coordination among departments. Even within the Municipal Corporation, sewerage and Narmada projects are separate departments. Works related to roads, sewerage, water, bridges, and other infrastructure keep going on. This also leads to damage and breakage of lines.