Old pipelines cause leakages in Hyderabad

Hyderabad : After Balapur crossroads and Madhura Nagar, the Nagole crossroads pipeline burst was the third major pipeline burst in the city in recent times wherein thousands of gallons of water was wasted at a time when Hyderabad is facing a serious crisis. Sources said that the burst was due to old PSC lines.

The city Water Board has sent a proposal to the state government seeking financial assistance to change the PSC pipes to mild steel pipes. In many areas the old pipelines cannot withstand the pressure and  leakages are reported every week.

A senior engineer of HMWS&SB who didn’t want to be named said, “The Nagole crossroads PSC pipeline that burst on January 28 was laid in 1984, during Manjeera phase 2. The line was originally laid to pump water from Sainikpuri to Autonagar, however now it is being used in reverse, from Autonagar to various parts. It’s a life span was 30 years.

“Since most of the lines have exceeded their life spans, leakages and bursts are frequent due to increase in traffic load and water pressure. Leakages are more at the tunneling, joints and air valves.”

The old pipeline network was constructed with asbestos cement, RCC (reinforced concrete) or HDP (plastic pipes).

The Board has sent a recommendation to change the network with mild steel (MS) pipes.

Officials from the operation and maintenance wing of Water Board said that MS pipes are  easy to weld in place, are long lasting and eco friendly.

Though expensive, they are easier to repair in case of leakages as the water can be removed with ease and welding can be done.

The official added, “There has been zero planning for the network, especially in the merged municipalities. Over Rs 3,100 crore is needed only for these merged municipalities. Also, more reservoirs are needed to store water and the network infrastructure needs to be repaired, especially in these areas.”