Aging sewage pipes of Baddi set to be replaced; Centre gives Rs 36 cr

The Baddi municipal council area is set to improve its sewage infrastructure with Central funding of Rs 36 crore approved for replacing aging sewage pipes. Tenders have been issued, and work will commence once contracts are awarded, said Baddi SDM Vivek Mahajan.

Quick facts

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Project cost: Rs 36 crore

Coverage: Nine wards of Baddi

Issue: Frequent sewage overflows due to outdated infrastructure

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Agencies involved: HIMUDA, civic body, Jal Shakti Vibhag

Expected outcome: Cleaner streets and improved sanitation

For years, Baddi residents have struggled with unhygienic conditions due to poorly maintained sewage system. Overflowing sewage on roads has become a common sight, leading to foul odours and raising health concerns. Sham Lal, a resident of Housing Board’s phase III colony, highlighted the dire situation in his area, where sewage flows through open drains. He expressed concerns about the risks of disease outbreaks due to the unsanitary conditions.

Other neighbourhoods, including Basanti Bagh, Housing Board colonies and the area near Big Bazaar, face similar issues. Residents often have to walk through sewage on the streets, as clogged pipes and leaking chambers result in filthy water pooling in public areas.

The problem is worsened by the involvement of multiple agencies, including the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA), the municipal council (MC) and the Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV). The overlapping responsibilities lead to blame-shifting and insufficient accountability.

The MC initially laid sewage pipes when the housing colonies were established, but JSV added a new pipeline after constructing a sewage treatment plant in 2019. Arun, a local resident, criticised the inadequate quality of these installations, noting that poor workmanship had exacerbated the issues instead of solving them.

Due to a lack of funds, the civic body has only been able to conduct minor repairs on clogged pipes, which has proven inadequate for the town’s growing population. The town of Baddi has expanded rapidly over the past 25 years, spurred by a Central industrial package that encouraged industrial growth. The increasing population has put further pressure on the aging sewage infrastructure.

Now, with new sewage lines on the way, residents are optimistic about a cleaner and healthier environment in future.