JMC to sell 150 mld treated water

JAIPUR: In a step that could address the water woes in the city, the Jaipur Municipal Corporation has decided to sell at least 150 mld treated water from its sewerage treatment plant (STP) at Delawas and Jaisighpura khor.
The decision assumes significance as the PHED is facing a supply shortage of 150 mld (million litres per day) water in the city alone.The JMC is likely to expand its capacity to treat sewerage water at several units across the city outskirts.
As per the PHED estimate, the total water supply in the city is pegged at 320 mld, of which over 80% is converted into sewage water after use. The civic body aims to treat this waste water for recycled use.
Meanwhile, the JMC top brass has decided to sell water to the housing board colonies at Pratap Nagar for watering its parks and gardens. The price has been fixed at Rs 2 per 1000 litre.
According to experts, in a conservative estimate, this will help the PHED save a minimum of 5mld water. Chief engineer, JMC DL Bhakar exuded confidence that the move will not just solve the water crisis in future, but also address the monetary issues faced by the body.
Elaborating on the execution of the project, Bhakar said, "We have to lay a separate line across the city for the end users to access the supply." Bhakar said JMC can provide 200 mld water for sale, which if used for non-drinking purpose, can solve the drinking water crisis.
"Activities such as washing, irrigating gardens and parks, flushing of toilets could be taken care off by the treated water," he said.
Currently, JMC runs five STP units in Delawas, Jaisinghpura Khor, Brahmpuri, while two units are operated by the JDA. The total available water is estimated to be around 250 mld.
Senior engineer Hemant Kumar Sharma, who has worked closely on the STPs said, "If we introduce ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis to treat the sewerage water, it could be almost fit for drinking."
"This would make JMC the first local body in the country to use such technology. We will supply this water to industries and private parties against a fee," added Sharma.
To connect all the sewerage sources in the city, the JMC is working on five STPs with the JDA and Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project.