MC set to decide on cost-effective options for 24x7 water project
To be discussed in next House meeting on December 30
The General House of the Municipal Corporation is all set to take a decision on cost-effective options with regard to the 24x7 pan-city water supply project. The agenda will be tabled in the next meeting scheduled for December 30.
In the last meeting, it was proposed that agenda be again brought tabled in the House for discussion on other options available for the implementation of the project without imposing financial burden on the MC as well as residents.
According to the agenda, after thorough discussions available options are presented in the House a decision be taken accordingly. The following are the options.
Public-private partnership mode
The project may be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) model by selecting a technically qualified private operator through a transparent process. The private partner would undertake network rehabilitation, smart metering, NRW reduction, leak detection, pressure management, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and day-to-day service delivery.
International tech cooperation, grants
The MC may explore collaboration with international partners offering technical assistance, grants or capacity-building support instead of interest-bearing loans. Countries with proven expertise in water management can provide technology transfer and pilot-based solutions. Nations such as Israel, with advanced capabilities in water management and leak reduction; and Russia, with experience in large-scale infrastructure modernisation, regularly participate in bilateral development programmes with Indian agencies.
More funds from Centre, French agency
Additional financial support may be sought from the Government of India and/or Agence Française de Développement (AFD), a French agency, based on the revised detailed project report, which reflects realistic costs and updated field data. The revised project cost of approximately Rs 1741.28 crore accounts for full pipeline replacement, pumping upgrade, smart metering and monitoring system. This option addresses shortcomings observed in the Manimajra pilot and avoids an excessive tariff hike by reducing MC’s dependence on loan servicing through consumer charges.
Micro monitoring
The MC may adopt a gradual, ward-wise approach focusing on non-revenue water (NRW) reduction through micro district monitored areas (DMAs), phased pipe replacement, SCADA and smart metering over five-10 years within the existing financial capacity. This approach ensures continuous improvement without imposing financial stress on residents. However, it involves cancellation of the AFD loan with associated penalties and settlement of long-term assistance claims. Under this option, only internal financial resources would be utilised.
Implementation in selected zone
With presently available funds, 24x7 water supply may be implemented fully in one selected zone. This would include complete pipeline replacement, SCADA, smart/automated meters and waterworks upgrade, ensuring measurable and reliable outcomes.
Full privatisation
The entire water supply system would be privatised, with a private operator being responsible for financing, upgrading, operating and maintaining the system citywide.
Focussed approach
The MC may engage a specialised agency exclusively for NRW reduction without transferring operational control. The agency would focus on DMA creation, leak detection, illegal connections, pressure management and network mapping. A hybrid approach may be adopted wherein the MC retains operational control while engaging private agencies for specialised technical activities such as NRW reduction, metering and SCADA implementation.
