VADODARA, Sept 27: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) will prepare a feasibility report to draw water from the downstream of Narmada river to the city. It has been proposed to award the contract of preparing the report to an Ahmedabad-based firm at a cost of Rs 3.25 lakh.While the city, with a population of around 14 lakh, receives about 55 lakh gallon of water daily, the demand is projected to increase manifold with the population likely to touch around 56 lakh in the next 40 years.According to sources, while Narmada waters was the best long-term solution, representations had been made before the State Government for the same in the past.In a proposal before the Standing Committee, the administration stated that the best alternative was to get water from the downstream of Narmada, divert it into the main Narmada canal and then bring it in the branch canals passing from near Chhani and Gorwa. The other option was to lay a pipeline, bring water to the city, pump it in the canal and then divert it in the Ajwa reservoir.While the civic General Board had approved the proposal to carry out the necessary survey on November 28, 1998, offers were invited from expert firms following the approval.Recommending that the contract be awarded to Multi-Media Consultant, the administration stated that the firm would also work out the details about the operations and maintenance. It would also look into whether the supply would be disturbed, if at any point of time the canal was not functioning.
