Bhama Askhed delay deepens crisis

The long-pending Bhama Askhed water project, meant to ensure a daily and reliable water supply for Pimpri-Chinchwad, has been hit by further delays and cost escalation, leaving residents frustrated as they continue to face irregular and inadequate supply.

- Varad Bhatkhande

The break pressure tank (BPT) being constructed at Navlakh Umbre in Talegaon MIDC — a crucial component to channel 167 MLD of water from the Bhama Askhed Dam to the Chikhali Water Purification Centre — has seen its cost rise from Rs7.68 crore to Rs12.40 crore due to construction delays and additional works.

Initially slated for completion by December 2025, the project is now likely to be delayed by four to six months after an eight-month holdup in land handover by Talegaon MIDC. So far, 40% of the tank and 50% of the boundary wall have been completed.