Amidst repair challenges, urban authority transfers water scheme
After months of delays, the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) has officially handed over the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the Parwanoo water supply scheme to the Jal Shakti Department (JSD). This transfer, formalised through a letter dated January 4 from the Additional Chief Secretary of the JSD to the Engineer-in-Chief of the JSD, is aimed at improving the management and efficiency of the scheme.
Although HIMUDA has transferred the scheme, it will continue to collect water tariffs for a year as compensation for its previous O&M responsibilities. This change is expected to address the longstanding issues caused by the involvement of two separate agencies, which often led to delays in critical repairs and disrupted water supply in the industrial town. These inefficiencies have been particularly problematic during annual diarrhoea outbreaks in the region, exacerbated by inadequate water infrastructure management.
HIMUDA officials acknowledged their challenges in securing funds for essential repairs and maintenance due to water distribution being outside their core mandate. Established in 1978, the scheme drew water from the Kaushalya river, with pumping systems and infrastructure located in Kamli village. Despite making efforts to maintain the system, including spending Rs 50 lakh to repair extensive damage caused to the Kaushalya dam during the 2024 monsoon, the authority struggled to address the dam’s deteriorating condition.
The decision to transfer the scheme was finalised during an October 2023 Board of Directors meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, who also heads HIMUDA. Although the transfer was initially planned for post-monsoon 2023, it faced delays. Following recent discussions between HIMUDA and the JSD, a comprehensive plan was formulated. It includes opening a sub-divisional office in Parwanoo and a divisional office in Dharampur to ensure better coordination.
The JSD faces the additional challenge of managing the scheme despite its existing staff shortages. To address this, an interim arrangement has been made for the O&M to remain under HIMUDA’s outsourced staff for three months while JSD recruits its personnel through tenders. In addition, the JSD will inherit all movable and immovable assets of the scheme from HIMUDA.
A significant Rs 5 crore has been allocated for restoring and maintaining the water supply infrastructure. Of this, the first installment of Rs 2.5 crore, previously approved under the disaster mitigation fund, was released a few months ago but was put on hold due to the impending transfer. Under the latest state government directions, this amount will now be fully utilized by JSD for repairs and upgrades.
Key improvements planned by the JSD include constructing an infiltration gallery to address silting issues and ensuring proper treatment of water to meet quality standards. Assistant Engineer Bhanu Uday of Dharampur JSD emphasised that these measures would resolve existing challenges and ensure reliable water supply to Parwanoo residents and nearby areas like Ambota, Kamli, Tipra and Chanderyani.
Residents are optimistic about this transition, hoping it will lead to a more efficient and reliable water supply system. They believe that consolidating management under the JSD will streamline operations and address recurring problems that have plagued the scheme for years.
