Building collapse in Pitampura damages water pipeline

Water supply to several areas in the Capital was affected on Saturday after a water pipeline of the Delhi Jal Board was damaged.

According to DJB officials, the 1,000 mm transmission pipeline at Madhuban Chowk was damaged when a portion of an under-construction multi-level parking fell on it. The multi-level parking is being constructed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

“The incident occurred during the night. The Jal Board engineers are addressing the problem on a war footing, but because the entire length of the transmission mains has to be replaced by a new pipe line, the work is likely to take 72 hours to complete,” said an official.

The disruption affected water supply in the New Delhi Municipal Council areas, MES areas and parts of South Delhi.

North Delhi Mayor Mira Aggarwal and North Delhi Municipal Corporation Commissioner P. K. Gupta visited the site and ordered a probe. South Delhi Municipal Corporation Engineer In-Chief Ravi Dass will conduct the inquiry and submit an interim report within three days.

Seven pumps have been installed to dewater the area. Heavy machinery to level the earth has been pressed into service. The collapse is said to have occurred due to water leakage causing the soil under the building to soften and shift.