Gurgaon Water Plant Expansion Faces Hurdle From Construction Waste
Gurgaon’s critical Basai water treatment plant (WTP) Phase II project, essential for enhancing water supply across the city, particularly in new sectors along Dwarka Expressway, has encountered an initial hurdle. Before construction can even commence, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) faces the daunting task of clearing approximately 5 acres of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. This debris is currently spread across the 77-acre site earmarked for the expansion, which is situated directly opposite the existing Basai WTP.
The GMDA has formally urged the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) to promptly remove the dumped waste and vacate the land. According to GMDA officials, the site has been utilized by the MCG as a dumping ground for debris since 2021. The expansion is crucial given an IIT Roorkee study projecting Gurgaon’s population to reach 46.3 lakh by 2026, necessitating a daily water supply of around 970 MLD, nearly double the current capacity. The new 100 MLD plant, the city’s third WTP and second at Basai, is a vital step towards meeting this escalating demand.
The revised project, estimated at ₹190 crore and expected to take three years to complete in two phases, includes two underground storage tanks, pump houses, and a SCADA-based control system for enhanced operational efficiency. Technical evaluation of bids for the construction contract is complete, with final approval anticipated soon. While current capacity stands at 270 MLD from Basai and 400 MLD from Chandu Budhera WTP, work on additional units is also underway, highlighting the pressing need for this expansion.
This incident underscores challenges in urban land management and waste disposal affecting critical infrastructure. Timely resolution is essential for sustainable urban development and ensuring adequate water resources for a rapidly growing population. Prioritizing site clearance will expedite progress and strengthen city services.
