Facing significant water scarcity, Gurugram hopes to alleviate these issues through an initiative by the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). The plan aims to link the Basai and Chandu Budhera water treatment plants to increase the efficiency of the city’s water supply.
Despite the capability of these plants to operate 24/7, they have been restricted to 20 hours a day. By intertwining their operations, GMDA seeks to exploit their full potential, especially during the summer months when the water demand spikes to 675 million liters per day (MLD).
Boosting Water Supply
The interlinking of the plants is projected to augment the water supply by 5-10%, potentially providing up to 615 MLD. New electrical infrastructures, including substations at both plants, are being set up to ensure a reliable power source for uninterrupted water treatment. This strategic step is expected to significantly stabilize Gurugram’s water supply as it faces peak demands during the summer.
Overcoming Water Challenges
To address the city’s water shortages, the GMDA aims to complete the plants’ interconnection by early May. They are also increasing the Basai plant’s capability by adding two more filtration units, anticipating a rise in capacity by 45 MLD. These efforts exhibit GMDA’s strategic planning in combating water scarcity issues. However, the full utilization of the Basai plant’s 315 MLD capacity is yet to be achieved due to the limited availability of raw water.
Cities that are growing rapidly often experience a disconnect between resource demand and infrastructure capabilities, as seen in Gurugram. GMDA’s ongoing projects are critical for adapting to the escalating demands. With the summer around the corner, these infrastructure enhancements will be put to the test. Sustainable water management will be essential to keep pace with the urban growth. The commitment of GMDA is evident, but only time will tell how effective these measures are in catering to the increasing water demand in Gurugram.
