24x7 water supply to Mani Majra currently in trial phase: Centre
The 24x7 water supply project in Mani Majra is currently under a trial phase. This was stated by Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu.
During the ongoing Lok Sabha session, city MP Manish Tewari asked whether the Government is aware that despite the high-profile launch in August 2024, Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL) has failed to deliver 24x7 clean water in Mani Majra and is supplying only two hours of muddy, undrinkable water daily to residents; and if so, the measures taken/being taken to ensure timely completion of infrastructure initiatives in Chandigarh to address the issue failures.
In reply, the Minister stated that as apprised by CSCL, under the Smart City Mission (SCM), a 24x7 water supply pilot project had been initiated in Mani Majra. The project is currently in a trial phase, during which the installed systems and equipment are being tested under working conditions to verify performance, identify the defects, if any, and ensure that components meet desired standards.
“Under the project, supply hours have been enhanced from nine to 18 hours in various zones. Water billing quantity has been increased from 2.5 million gallon per day (MGD) to 3.5 MGD with the installation of 12,700 smart water meters, which would help in reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW). Identification and isolation of unauthorised water connections. Potable water is being supplied to the citizens, with chlorine analysers installed in each District Metered Area (DMA) and at critical points to ensure maintenance of water quality,” the Minister stated.
To ensure water quality, daily water samples are being collected by Municipal Corporation. Additionally, random water samples are taken on daily basis from various households in Manimajra. No grievance has been reported in November 2024 for Manimajra, he added.
The MP further asked whether an independent external audit or a C&AG performance audit of Smart City Projects has been conducted in the country, if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise.
To this, the Minister replied that Third-Party Assessment on Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCCs) has been done by Quality Council of India (QCI). QCI is conducting evaluations across 100 Smart Cities in two cycles — the first to identify gaps and the second to ensure their resolution. On-ground assessments for Cycle 1 have been completed.
“Independent external audit has also been conducted by Standard Testing and Quality Control (STQC) Directorate, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology for a cyber security audit of all 100 Cities. The State Auditor General auditing under the provisions of Companies Act, 2013 is regularly conducted by the smart cities Special Purpose Vehicles,” he added.
