New 3-foot pipeline to boost Dharwad water supply to150 MLD

Hubballi

In a major step towards securing Dharwad’s long-term drinking water needs, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has initiated plans to lay a separate drinking water pipeline from Aminbhavi to Dharwad city. Civic authorities believe the ambitious project will significantly reduce recurring supply disruptions and address the increasing water demand of the rapidly expanding urban centre.

The proposal, which was recently discussed during the HDMC general body meeting, is being viewed as a crucial infrastructure intervention for Dharwad, where residents have long struggled with irregular and low-pressure water supply from the Malaprabha River network. According to officials, the new dedicated pipeline route is expected to be completed by September or October this year. The project has been designed to enhance Dharwad’s water supply capacity from the present 70 MLD (million litres per day) to nearly 150 MLD.

Ageing network behind recurring disruptions

The existing water supply pipeline, laid in 1984, has deteriorated considerably over the decades. Frequent leakages and pipe bursts have emerged as a major concern for the civic body, resulting in repeated interruptions in drinking water supply across several parts of the city. Sources said the current eight-kilometre pipeline stretch supplying water to Dharwad has nearly 45 leakage points, leading to substantial water loss and repeated repair works.

The existing two-foot-diameter pipeline is also considered inadequate for the city’s growing population and rising demand. To address these issues, HDMC has decided to install a new three-foot-diameter pipeline under an alternative route plan. Officials said the upgraded pipeline will not only improve water pressure but also strengthen supply reliability for the coming decades.

New route planned through expanding residential zones

The proposed pipeline will pass through Aminbhavi, Marewada Toll Gate, Sai Nagar Layout, Basaveshwara Temple Road, Ganga Layout, Arihant Nagar, Kashi Nagar, Tarade Developers Layout, Chinnaganga Layout, and Murughamutt. Civic authorities said the alignment has been planned keeping future urban expansion in mind, ensuring uninterrupted supply to newly developing residential areas as well.

Rs. 30 crore allocated for project

The project is being funded through grants allocated to HDMC under the Finance Commission and Central government-supported urban infrastructure schemes. Of the funds earmarked for drinking water and solid waste management works, nearly Rs. 30 crore has been allocated specifically for the new Aminbhavi-Dharwad pipeline project.

Officials said the project also includes provisions for new pump sets and supporting infrastructure to improve operational efficiency. HDMC estimates indicate that Dharwad is already facing a shortfall of nearly 22 MLD of drinking water. Authorities are now planning to augment supply by an additional 43 MLD to meet immediate demand.

Explaining the significance of the project, HDMC floor leader Iresh Anchetaggeri said the work is being undertaken under the Central government-funded Million plus Cities Challenge Fund. “We are planning to complete the work by the end of this year. The new pipeline project will significantly improve water supply and help address the long-standing drinking water issues faced by the people of Dharwad,” he said.