Chandigarh Mayor launches Rs 13.53-cr sewer upgrade project

In a bid to boost urban infrastructure and public health, Saurabh Joshi, Mayor of Chandigarh, inaugurated a Rs 13.53-crore project for the strengthening of a critical sewer trunk main leading to the sewage treatment plant (STP), Diggian. The initiative aims to resolve long-standing issues of sewer overflow, affecting residents of adjoining areas, particularly Phase-XI, Mohali.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the STP, Diggian, in the presence of MC Chief Engineer Sanjay Arora and other senior municipal corporation officials and some local residents.

While briefing about the project, the Mayor said that the existing sewer line along the Chandigarh-ISER Road had weakened over time due to aging and heavy silting, resulting in frequent overflows, especially during the monsoon. This had caused persistent problems such as waterlogging, foul odour and health concerns for residents.

To address these challenges, the municipal corporation has undertaken this project under the AMRUT 2.0 incentive scheme. The work, spanning approximately 2,105 m from the light point, Phase-XI to Best Tech Mall up to STP, Diggian, is scheduled for completion within six months.

Highlighting the significance of the project, the Mayor stated that the initiative would provide much-needed relief by preventing sewer backflow into residential areas, improving sanitation and reducing the risk of water-borne diseases. He emphasized that the upgraded system would ensure smooth sewage flow, particularly during the monsoon.

A key highlight of the project is the adoption of advanced trenchless CIPP (cured-in-place pipe) technology, being implemented for the first time in Chandigarh. This modern approach minimises road excavation, reduces disruption to daily life and enhances the lifespan of pipelines by up to 50 years while lowering maintenance costs.