The Ganga Jal Aapurti Yojana (Ganga Water Supply Scheme) is a testament to addressing water scarcity challenges through innovative engineering. This ambitious project, by the Bihar government’s Jal Jeevan Hariyali Mission, aims to bring clean drinking water to parched regions of the state.
MEIL’s Engineering Expertise
Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL), a Hyderabad-based infrastructure giant, played a pivotal role in constructing the project. They executed the first phase under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. This model assigns responsibility for the entire project lifecycle, from design and procurement to construction and commissioning to MEIL.
Harnessing the Power of the Ganga
The project cleverly taps into the mighty Ganga River’s surplus monsoon water (July to October). Intake infrastructure near Hathidah Ghat in Mokama, Patna district, diverts this water. An intricate pipeline network stretching over 151 kilometres carries the water to its destination.
Reservoirs for Reliability
MEIL’s design incorporates strategically placed reservoirs along the pipeline route. These reservoirs serve a dual purpose: storing the diverted water and allowing for natural filtration through settling. This ensures a consistent and reliable clean water supply to the targeted regions.
From River to Tap: A Brighter Future
The first phase of the Ganga Jal Aapurti Yojana successfully delivers treated Ganga water to the cities of Gaya, Bodh Gaya, and Rajgir. This achievement significantly improves residents’ access to clean drinking water in these areas. With subsequent phases planned, the project holds immense promise for alleviating water scarcity across Bihar.
Challenges and Triumphs
Completing the project within three years, especially amidst the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a noteworthy accomplishment for MEIL. Their engineering prowess and commitment to timely execution were instrumental in bringing this vital initiative to life.
The Road Ahead
The Ganga Jal Aapurti Yojana is a successful model for leveraging engineering solutions to address water scarcity concerns. As Bihar expands the project to other regions, it paves the way for its citizens’ healthier and more water-secure future.