KEEPING UP WITH TIMES

December 8, 2007

While the roads and the flyovers are the more visible elements of infrastructure that serve the transportation needs of the residents, the water supply network, storm water management, etc, which may not be in the public eye also play a very important role in ensuring the success of any city

There are several aspects of the city unknown to the common man that in making his life better. While the roads and the flyovers are the more visible elements of infrastructure that water supply network, storm water management, Sewage Treatment Plants (STP), Solid Waste Management (SWM) system, holding ponds, pollution monitoring and control are areas, which may not be in the public eye also play a very important role in ensuring the success of any city.
In Navi Mumbai, CIDCO and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) have both played important roles in anticipating the infrastructural needs of the city, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure that has been readied.
WATER SUPPLY
Water, the basic need of any city has been well taken care of by the city planners, thanks to the purchase of the by the city planners, thanks to the purchase of the Rs 553 crores, 450 mld Morbe Dam, which will supply 24 hours of water to the city from mid of the next year.
NMMC is the only corporation in the country to have bought a dam of its own. Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) is the only other corporation to own dams, but they belong from the British era. Morbe dam will take care of the water needs of Navi Mumbai for the next 25 years, when the population figure is expected to reach 2.1 million from the current 1 million.
The NMMC area with a population of around 1 million people requires 210 mld of water. The actual consumption as of today is 270 mld water. Also, with the project moving ahead on schedule, Navi Mumbai residents can expect 24 hours water supply from mid-2007, when the dam will be fully supply from mid-2007, when the dam will be fully commissioned.
Additional pipelines to carry the total 450 mid of Morbe water to the city are being laid. The corporation has also embarked on the metering of water consumption all over the city to prevent its misuse.
STORM WATER management
The excellent Storm water management system in the city helped it survive the 26/7 onslaught of 2005. While the coastal regions of Maharashtra, including the developed city of Mumbai. Were virtually flooded due to incessant rains, water logging in Navi Mumbai lasted for merely a few hours in some pockets.
Says budhbhushan Gaikwad, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of CIDCO, “The planners of CIDCO took all the precautionary measures into consideration in the development of Navi Mumbai. Dspite the fact that 20 percent of the land in Navi Mumbai is below high tide, it did not suffer much during the 26/7 deluge, thanks to the innovative engineering methods of Storm Water Management and the efficient sewerage system in the city.”
Adds Gaikwad, “CIDCO has constructed 16 detention ponds and 28 holding ponds in low-lying areas. These ponds hold storm water and prevent it from flowing it into the creek. They help avoid high tide flooding.”
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT
At present the city has seven Sewage Treatment Plants (STP). NMMC has now taken up the job of upgrading the existing STP’s in the city. Which are 25 years old? Three STP projects are being developed in Vashi (100 mld). Neri; (100 mld) and Airoli (80 mld) According to official sources, “The water treated here will be almost as good as drinking water. We will be able to use it in industries, for gardening and washing purpose.”
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
The Solid Waste Management (SWM) is vital to ensure a healthy and hygienic life in the city. With the Kopar Khairane dumping ground being shut and a new land fill site spread over 103 acres being developed in Turbhe area. NMMC claims that the SWM needs of the city for the next 35 years have been taken care of.
Says city engineer Mohan Dagaonkar, “Very few cities in the country have succeeded in developing a land fill site, as developed by NMMC in Turbhe. Unlike the conventional system of garbage being simply dumped, here it is scientifically disposed off. The land fill site should not pollute ground water, surface water, soil and the air quality.” Explaining further Dagaonkar said, “The site has several layers to prevent the various pollutions. The garbage is daily covered with one foot of soil and closed. It is repeated the next day. Trees have been planted at the site to provide for air curtains and prevent air pollution.”
In future, the corporation plans to recycle the waste into other useful products that can be used for the city’s benefit.
STREET LIGHTS
NMMC claims to have changed practically all the street lights in the city. Said Mohan Dagaonkar, “Almost all the street lights have been changed. We have also put up High Mast lights at several junctions. Now. Mostly energy saying lights are being put up the city. The tender process is on.
AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATION
Another first that NMMC has scored in terms of infrastructure is the installation of the Air
Quality Monitoring Station (AQMS) at the Vashi fire state. No other municipal corporation has it, claims NMMC. The AQMS has been installed in Vashi with 50 percent financial support from MPCB.
Says Dagaonkar, “A daily reporting is done to the MPCB. It helps in detecting violations by the industries. For example, if a high level of sulphur dioxide is detected in the air, immediate action can be taken against the erring company, as the MPCB has details of companies emanating the particular gas.