The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has developed a comprehensive plan worth approximately Rs 100 crore to tackle the persistent contamination problem at the Chehedi weir on the Darna dam. This issue has hindered the city's ability to consistently draw 52 million litres per day (MLD) of water.
Background of the Problem
For several years, untreated sewage from surrounding areas has been flowing into the Waldevi river, polluting the area near the civic body's jackwell at Chehedi. This contamination has frequently disrupted water lifting operations, leading to supply interruptions in parts of the city and forcing the civic administration to rely on alternative water sources.
Proposed Solution
To address the issue, NMC has proposed reconstructing the jackwell at an upstream location of the Chehedi weir and implementing measures to divert sewage away from the Waldevi river. A civic official stated, "This will significantly reduce contamination at the intake point, allowing NMC to lift the full quota of 52 MLD regularly."
Approval and Implementation
Officials confirmed that the proposal is currently being finalised and is expected to be presented before the next general body meeting for approval. Following approval, the civic body will initiate the tendering process to commence the project as soon as possible.
Importance for Water Distribution
Another civic official explained, "Restoring consistent water lifting from Chehedi is vital for maintaining balanced water distribution across Nashik. The water drawn from this source primarily serves the Nashik Road division. When lifting is disrupted due to contamination, additional pressure is placed on the Gangapur dam, affecting supply in other parts of the city."
Political Attention
The issue had also been highlighted during the general body meeting in April, when senior corporator Sudhakar Badgujar urged the administration to implement a long-term solution to ensure uninterrupted water lifting from the source. Badgujar emphasised that securing the full water allocation from Chehedi would reduce dependence on other reservoirs and improve the overall efficiency of the city's water distribution network. He also called on the civic administration to prioritise the project.
Conclusion
With the contamination problem persisting for years, the proposed revamp is being viewed as a critical step towards strengthening Nashik's water infrastructure and ensuring a reliable water supply amid the city's growing demand.
