BMC lines up leak detection project

MUMBAI: To rein in the increasing incidents of pipe bursts and leaks, the BMC will carry out an extensive leak detection project in three wards of the city. The corporation on Monday opened tender bids for private agencies equipped with modern technologies to carry out the pilot in Goregaon, Malad, Borivili, Dahisar and Grant Road.

As many as 12 companies applied for the bidding process, said officials. Civic officials said the bids will now be scrutinised and shortlisted for giving out work orders. A recent RTI query found that the BMC reported about three cases of burst or leaks a day in 2009. There were as many as 1,031 cases of pipes bursting or leaking in 2009. Officials said until the century-old pipelines are replaced, the wastage would continue. Water lost through leaks accounts for an astonishingly high 20% of the total loss.

“The leak detection pilot would look to detect, curb and arrest increasing number of pipe leaks in our network. The appointed agencies would use modern technologies such as ground-penetration radars, for the purpose,” said a senior civic official.