Surat Municipal Corporation cuts water supply by 25%

SURAT: Continuous release of water from Ukai reservoir has added to the worries of the residents in the diamond city. Reason: Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has implemented an average of 25% cut in the daily supply of water as the floating algae, hyacinth and hydrilla in the water are creating problems in the operation of the intake wells in the upstream of Tapi river.
Hyacinth and Hydrilla have fast growth rate - they can double in as little as two weeks. Official sources said the floating aquatic plants have been creating a hindrance in the smooth operation of the intake wells located near Singanpore, Rander and Amroli. The hyacinth and hydrilla plants clog the intake wells, forcing their compulsory closure.
NG Parekh, executive engineer (hydraulic), told TOI, "The entire area in the upstream of Tapi is infested with hyacinth and hydrilla. When the water is released from Ukai reservoir, these species choke the intake wells that pump water from the river to the water treatment plants. The intake wells have to be shut down compulsorily to prevent damage to the equipment. This is the reason why we have decided to cut the average water supplied to the city residents by 25 per cent, till the release of water would continue from the reservoir."
Sources said Ukai dam authorities have reduced the outflow of water to 52,000 cusecs from 72,000 cusecs with the decrease in the inflow from the catchment areas.
Parekh said the department is seeking the assistance of professional divers to clear the aquatic species.