Bhuj: Protecting our borders is a challenging task. The border with Pakistan in Rann of Kutch is not less challenging than any other part.

One of challenges associated to border duty in Kutch for Border Security Force(BSF) jawans is availability of potable water.

The government has laid 75 km pipeline from Dharamshala to Vighokot for drinking water supply. However, due to corrosion linked to marshy and salty nature of soil, the pipeline suffers leakage issue frequently.

While water supply through tankers is on, the government is also searching for better alternative ways.

The Water Supply Board recently worked on new bore-wells near 1079 number border out post at Bhediya bet, hoping to get potable water of Indus river. However water sourced from 715 ft bore-well turned out to be salty.

Generally digging deep bore-well is challenge in itself due to soft and marshy nature of Rann.Water found in 715 ft bore-well is 4300 TDS. Water flows upside on its own without need of electric motor. 45,000 TDS sea water is also used as potable water through desalination. 4300 TDS water can be easily desalinated.

Once sample report arrives, Water Supply Board will plan desalination plant to convert salty water into potable water. Such desalination plant could have 5 lakh litre capacity. Ideal place would be near Shakur lake where overflowing water of river Indus forms water body.

DeshGujarat