Govt misled Parl on 24x7 water supply project: MP

Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari has accused the Central Government of misleading Parliament by claiming that no loan was taken for the 24x7 water supply project in Mani Majra.

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Raising a question on the erratic and muddy water supply in Mani Majra even six months after the project was inaugurated, in the Lok Sabha today, Tewari asked the Home Minister about the current status of the project, which was inaugurated by Amit Shah in August 2024

He also sought to know whether the project is still in the trial phase, and if so, the what are the reasons for the delay in achieving the goal of round-the-clock water supply in the area, and what measures are being undertaken to address issues such as the irregular supply of undrinkable and muddy water as reported in the area. He further asked the minister about the details of the loan taken for the 24×7 water supply project, including its repayment structure, interest rates and the financial liability it imposes on the residents of Chandigarh.

In response to the questions, Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs, stated that the 24x7 water supply project in Mani Majra was commissioned in August 2024 under Smart Cities Mission and the physical infrastructure and trial run of the project has been completed. “Under the project, to cater to the grievances, a Consumer Grievance Cell and helpline number has been established. Since the project is funded under Smart Cities fund, no loan has been taken,” he stated.

“What is very disturbing is that the government has misled Parliament by stating that no loan was taken for the 24X7 water supply project in Manimajra,” he said. The facts are to the contrary. According to media reports, a loan of Rs 412 crore has been taken from Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) that will be paid back by the Municipal Corporation by charging exorbitant water tariffs from the people of Chandigarh, he said, adding that he would write to the Home Minister flagging that an incorrect answer has been given by his Ministry to Parliament.