The Thane Municipal Corporation is preparing a comprehensive plan worth Rs 350 crore to replace ageing sewer and stormwater drainage lines beneath several parts of the old city. This announcement was made by BJP's MLA Sanjay Kelkar during a recent citizen interaction. The proposed upgrade, to be undertaken under the central government's AMRUT 2 scheme, aims to address frequent complaints of overflowing drains and sewage backflow in densely populated areas such as Naupada, Vartak Nagar, and Panchpakhadi.
Decade-Old Infrastructure Inadequate for Growing Population
Kelkar highlighted that the existing sewerage infrastructure, some of which is over five decades old, has become inadequate for the current population load, leading to recurrent sanitation and health concerns. "The sewer pipelines in old Thane are nearly 50 years old and in a dilapidated condition. With rising population density, the existing system is insufficient, resulting in frequent overflows and hygiene issues. There is an urgent need for a complete overhaul," Kelkar stated during the interaction.
Timeline and Implementation
According to civic officials, work is expected to begin after the monsoon season and is targeted for completion within two years. Authorities have assured that residents will be kept informed throughout the execution process to minimize inconvenience. The meeting was attended by BJP MLC Niranjan Davkhare, deputy city engineer Vikas Dhole, executive engineer Nadeem Kazi, and other civic officials along with citizen representatives.
The upgrade under AMRUT 2 is part of a broader initiative to modernize urban infrastructure in Thane. The plan includes replacing old pipes, increasing capacity, and improving the overall drainage system to prevent waterlogging and sewage overflow during heavy rains.
