MAPUSA
The Public Works Department (PWD) has launched an ambitious project to enhance the water supply infrastructure in Mapusa town.
The initiative includes replacing ageing pipelines, some over 40 years old, and constructing new water reservoirs across the town.
The pipeline replacement is a key component of the AMRUT 2.0 scheme, a central government programme focused on improving urban infrastructure.
The combined cost of the pipeline replacement and reservoir construction is estimated at Rs 24 crore.
New pipelines
Mapusa has long struggled with frequent water pipeline bursts due to the deterioration of its underground asbestos pipelines.
Assistant Engineer Triptesh Sirsat highlighted the health risks posed by the outdated asbestos pipelines. “The new pipelines, made of ductile iron (DI), are more durable and safer for potable water transmission,” Sirsat said.
The replacement project involves installing 200 mm, 150 mm, and 100 mm DI pipelines over a total distance of approximately 12 to 13 km.
The new pipelines come with a warranty of 100 years, ensuring longevity and reliability.
Work is currently underway in areas including Angod, Housing Board, Ganeshpuri, Ektanagar, and Karaswada, covering the stretch from Vrindavan Hospital to Sankalp Hospital.
Additional areas, such as Dangui Colony, Altinho, Shelpem, Cunchelim, Duler, and Pedem, will be addressed once road-cutting permissions are granted.
Expansion of water storage facilities
To complement the pipeline upgrades, four new water reservoirs are being constructed at a cost of Rs 16 crore.
These include a 2000-cubic-metre Master Balancing Reserve tank (MBR) at Dattawadi, two overhead tanks of 650-cubic-metre capacity at Ganeshpuri and Karaswada, and another 650-cubic-metre overhead tank at Altinho, located at the site of the old Asilo quarters.
Targeted completion by April
PWD officials have set a target to complete the pipeline replacement and reservoir construction by April.
They are working to address long-standing issues, such as the lack of pipeline plans for older networks, which have hindered timely repairs in the past.
The upgraded infrastructure is expected to significantly improve water supply and storage capacity in Mapusa, providing much-needed relief to residents who have faced chronic water supply issues for years.
