Nashik Municipal Corporation’s plan to unlock 600 million cubic feet (mcft) of additional water from the dead storage of Gangapur dam has been delayed after its first tender received no bids, raising pressure on the city’s water preparedness ahead of next year’s Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
The civic body had floated a tender in the last week of August to appoint an agency for removing rocky obstructions between the dam’s dead storage and the Nashik Municipal Corporation’s jackwell. September 21 was set as the deadline for bids, but no contractor participated, according to an NMC official quoted by the Times of India.
“We had invited bids to appoint an agency for removing rock formations that are preventing access to nearly 600 mcft of water trapped in the dead storage of Gangapur dam. Despite floating the tender in the last week of August, we did not receive even a single bid,” the official said.
The NMC is now preparing to float a fresh tender in the next few days. The failed bidding process is expected to push the project back by at least one to two months. Once a contractor is appointed, the selected agency will be required to complete the work within six months from the date of issuance of the work order, the official said.
Estimated at Rs 9.82 crore, the project involves excavating a 590-metre trench and removing a large rock formation that currently prevents water in the dead storage from reaching the jackwell. The jackwell is the point from which the civic body draws raw water for treatment and distribution.
Gangapur dam accounts for nearly 80% of Nashik’s water supply. Mukane and Darna dams provide the remaining share. The NMC currently supplies around 20 mcft of water daily, including nearly 15 mcft from Gangapur dam and about 5 mcft from the other two reservoirs.
Civic officials consider the additional storage important because Nashik is facing drought-related concerns and rising future demand. Once made accessible, the 600 mcft reserve is expected to meet the city’s requirements for nearly a month, according to officials quoted in the report.
The project is also linked to the city’s preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which Nashik is scheduled to host next year. Three major Amrit Snans are planned in August and September, when the arrival of pilgrims, sadhus and visitors is expected to increase demand for water. Officials believe the additional reserve could help maintain supplies during peak summer and periods of high consumption.
The NMC has not announced a revised completion date. The next formal milestone is the issue of a fresh tender, followed by the appointment of an agency and commencement of the excavation and rock-removal work.
