Nashik: The Nashik Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) plan to access an additional 600 million cubic feet (mcft) of water from the dead storage of Gangapur dam has been delayed after the civic body failed to receive a single bid for the project.The project involves removing rocky obstructions between the dam’s dead storage and the NMC’s jackwell to make the trapped water accessible. Civic officials consider it crucial amid the prevailing drought situation and rising water demand expected during next year’s Simhastha Kumbh Mela.The NMC floated a tender in the last week of August to appoint an agency for the work, with Sept 21 as the deadline for bids. However, no contractor participated in the process.“We had invited bids to appoint an agency for removing rock formations that are preventing access to nearly 600 mcft of water trapped in the dead storage of Gangapur dam. Despite floating the tender in the last week of August, we did not receive even a single bid,” an NMC official said.The civic body is now preparing to float a fresh tender in the next few days. The delay is expected to push the project back by at least one to two months.“Now we are planning to invite fresh bids. The selected agency will have to complete the work within six months from the date of issuance of the work order,” the official added.Estimated at Rs 9.82 crore, the project involves excavating a 590-metre trench and removing a massive rock formation that prevents water from the dead storage from reaching the jackwell, from where the NMC draws raw water for treatment and distribution.The project assumes significance as Nashik prepares to host the Simhastha Kumbh Mela next year. Three major Amrit Snans are scheduled in Aug and Sept, when a large influx of pilgrims, sadhus and visitors is expected to push up water demand.Officials believe the additional 600 mcft will provide a crucial reserve during peak summer and periods of high demand. Once accessible, the water is expected to meet the city’s requirements for nearly a month.Gangapur dam accounts for nearly 80% of Nashik’s water supply, with Mukane and Darna dams meeting the remaining demand. The NMC currently supplies around 20 mcft of water daily, including nearly 15 mcft from Gangapur dam and 5 mcft from the other two reservoirs.Officials said the project would strengthen the city’s water security amid concerns over reservoir levels and future rainfall patterns, while helping ensure adequate supply during the Kumbh Mela.