Indore Faces Summer Water Shortage Threat, IMC Plans To Fill Yashwant Sagar From Gambhir River

Indore, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, faces a looming threat of a summer water shortage due to below-normal rainfall anticipated by the El Niño effect. The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) has initiated preparations to ensure a steady water supply to the city through a multi-pronged approach.

Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav revealed that the IMC plans to fill Yashwant Sagar lake with water from the Gambhir river, aiming to maintain normal tap water supply in the western parts of Indore. Additionally, the civic body is constructing a sump well at Bijalpur, which is expected to supply around 30 million litres per day (MLD) when needed, equivalent to the capacity of 12 overhead water tanks.

Moreover, the IMC has ordered the construction of five large overhead water tanks. The new infrastructure is anticipated to bolster storage and distribution capacities, enabling the city to manage water scarcity more effectively. These initiatives come as a response to concerns over reduced rainfall affecting water availability during the summer months.

The mayor emphasized the significance of public participation in water conservation. He urged residents to avoid wastage and use water judiciously, warning that rationing might become necessary during a crisis situation. Despite the measures put in place, Bhargav cautioned that water stress in Indore is not just an official figure but a stark reality on the ground.