Temporary Motor Pumps Installed in the Ganga River at Barari Water Works Being Lifted Up Due to Rising Water Levels;
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: Special administrative activity has intensified at the historic Barari Water Treatment Plant (WTP) premises—which supplies millions of gallons of clean drinking water daily to the city of Bhagalpur in Bihar—amidst the changing temperament of the Ganga River. Observing the continuous fluctuations (rise) in the water level of the Ganga in recent days, the Water Works management has begun exercising extreme vigilance. In line with this, the temporary motor pumps previously installed in the middle of the river and along the lower banks to pump water are being swiftly shifted upward to safe higher ground to protect them from submergence.
Why Was the Need Felt to Lift the Temporary Pumps Up? Impact of Water Level Fluctuations
According to technical experts and the engineering department associated with Barari Water Works, unpredictable fluctuations in the Ganga River's water level have been observed amidst the interplay of summer heat and monsoon weather:
Risk of Pumps Submerging: Due to the fluctuating water levels of the river, a serious risk had emerged that these temporary pumps and their electrical wiring and panels installed on raw riverbanks would submerge in water. Had these heavy-duty pumps not been brought up in time, there was a high likelihood of underwater short circuits or valuable motors burning out.
Apprehension of Disruption in Drinking Water Supply: This very Barari Water Works serves as the primary backbone of drinking water supply to most urban areas of Bhagalpur (such as Khalifabagh, Kotwali, Sutapatti, Tilkamanjhi, Adampur, and Nathnagar). If the pumps were to fail, tap water supplies to the homes of lakhs of people across the city could have been severely disrupted. To preempt this emergency, management took this proactive step.
Vigilance by WTP Management: War-Footing Operation by Workers
Under the supervision of senior management and local engineers at Barari WTP, a team of skilled technical workers and laborers has been engaged since morning, operating much like a disaster response and rescue mission:
Safe Extraction Using Cranes and Ropes: Using specialized cranes, pulleys, and sturdy ropes amidst the strong current and slippery banks of the river, workers are carefully hauling these heavy temporary motors and suction pipes upward.
Alternative Arrangements and Uninterrupted Water Supply: Management has clarified that to ensure no adverse impact falls on the city's water supply system during the repositioning and relocation of the pumps, alternative and parallel motors have been kept operational. This team of workers is monitoring operations 24/7 to ensure no consumer faces a drinking water shortage.
Management Statement: "Public Welfare and Safety Our Highest Priority"
Speaking to the media, administrative officials of Barari Water Works stated that the water level of the Ganga is being continuously monitored via the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the local flood control room.
Officials stated, “Drinking water is supplied to lakhs of citizens of the city from the Barari Water Treatment Plant. Sensing the weather patterns and the rising water level of the river, without wasting a moment, we mobilized our technical workforce. This operation to safely lift the temporary pumps is entirely a precautionary and technically essential measure, ensuring that water supply is not disrupted even for a single minute during an emergency.”
This prompt action at Barari Water Works in Bhagalpur to safely elevate temporary motor pumps in response to the rising water level of the Ganga stands as an excellent example of professional vigilance and administrative readiness by the water treatment plant management. Thanks to the day-and-night hard work and technical acumen of the employees, not only is the safety of government assets (motors and equipment) being secured, but the general public of Bhagalpur continues to receive an uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water without any hurdles.
