Thane revives old wells to ease water shortage issues

Thane: A major civic initiative to revive old wells and convert them into potable water sources is set to ease chronic shortages in the city's Majiwada-Manpada belt, state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Monday.Sarnaik, who inaugurated three such rejuvenated wells in the Lokmanya Nagar area of the city on Monday, indicated that, if successful, the model could be scaled up across Thane and replicated in other parts of Maharashtra.The Thane Municipal Corporation has begun restoring decades-old wells by cleaning, desilting and equipping them with modern purification systems. The minister said the project was a "sustainable solution" to the growing water crisis in the city and especially the Majiwada-Manpada ward, which includes the tony areas of Ghodbunder Highway.Officials said nearly 35 wells have been identified across the city, with plans to extend the initiative to nearby Mira-Bhayander. The project aims to collectively generate about 1.2 million litres of purified water daily, helping bridge a 5 MLD shortfall in the Majiwada-Manpada ward alone, including the busy Ghodbunder Highway stretch.The old well rejuvenation plan was sanctioned during the tenure of former Chief minister Eknath Shinde, with an outlay of ₹50 crore to rejuvenate 46 wells across Thane and Mira-Bhayander. While three wells were commissioned as a pilot last year, work on 12 more is nearing completion.The restored wells are being fitted with mesh grills to avoid dumping of trash and connected via pipelines to UV and RO treatment plants, ensuring both primary and potable water supply. Natural springs feeding the wells are also being revived as part of the process. A network of solar panels has also been installed on these units to make the project less dependent on MSEDCL power.Authorities said the fast-developing Majiwada-Manpada area frequently faces disruptions due to supply cuts and technical glitches. The alternative sources are expected to significantly reduce summer shortages and ensure more reliable, year-round access to clean drinking water.
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