Fly ash affects city water supply from Kanhan river

Nagpur: Water supply in Nagpur’s four zones, Ashi Nagar, Satranjipura, Lakadganj, and Nehru Nagar Zone, will remain affected due to substantial presence of fly ash in Kanhan river.
Since June 30, 2024, due to rainfall, the Kanhan river has been flowing in full spate. On the afternoon of July 1, substantial fly ash was observed in the river near the intake well of the Kanhan Water Treatment Plant (WTP) on the right bank of Kanhan river, said a press note issued by NMC’s water works department and Orange City Water Limited.
The source of fly ash was traced upstream to two locations including Waregaon Ash Pond of Mahagenco’s Khaperkheda Thermal Power Station, and a fly ash bricks manufacturing company’s dump at Waregaon.
The KTPS officials have been informed and asked to take necessary action to stop the contamination of river water.
In accordance with the laid down contingency plan, precautionary measures were taken at Kanhan WTP, and the pumps of the intake wells were stopped. This was done to ensure that only potable water, conforming to applicable IS-Drinking Water Standards, is pumped from Kanhan to the city.
Due to the river water getting contaminated with fly ash, the Kanhan treatment plant is operating at only two-thirds of its original capacity. This partial pumping will lead to reduced water supply to consumers residing in the command areas from Kanhan feeder mains, which include Ashi Nagar zone, Satranjipura zone, Lakadganj zone, and Nehru Nagar zone.
Normal pumping from Kanhan WTP will resume only after the visible water, following required quality checks, is clear of fly ash, stated the press release.