Phina Singh project: 14-year wait on as tendering process hits roadblock

Nurpur’s long-cherished Phina Singh Canal Multipurpose Project, once hailed as a game-changer for farmers and fruit growers, has slipped deeper into uncertainty even after fresh Central funding.

The ambitious Rs 643-crore scheme, whose foundation stone was laid way back in October 2011 by then Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, was expected to transform the region’s economy. But 14 years later, the project is still gasping for momentum, stuck in the tendering stage for its most crucial component: a concrete gravity dam and distributaries.

Despite the release of Rs 55.51 crore as the second installment of Central funds six months ago, the Jal Shakti Department (JSD) has yet to finalise a contractor. Allegations of favouritism and questionable eligibility criteria have clouded the bidding process.

Out of the total Rs 294-crore tender, nearly Rs 268 crore was earmarked for the dam’s construction. Five firms participated in the e-tendering held in April this year, with financial bids opened in May. The lowest bid came in at Rs 304 crore, already Rs 10 crore higher than the JSD’s estimate.

Politics over progress

Opposition leaders, including former CM Jairam Thakur, former minister Rakesh Pathania and ex-MLA Vikram Thakur, have cried foul. They allege that one shortlisted firm, declared eligible by the JSD, had prior experience of building dams worth only Rs 10 crore.

“As per CPWD norms, bidders should have constructed projects worth at least 80% of the estimated cost. This is a violation to favour a company with no experience in gravity dam construction,” they alleged.

The row has stalled the process, with objections over the exclusion of Joint Ventures (JVs) and doubts over the shortlisted company’s capacity.

From promise to pile-up

The Phina Singh Canal dream was first envisioned by former minister and Nurpur MLA Sat Mahajan. Approved in 2011 after lobbying by then MLA Rakesh Pathania, the project had an original cost estimate of Rs 204 crore. With delays, design changes and inflation, the figure has since ballooned to Rs 643 crore.

The state has already invested Rs 300 crore, while waiting for Centre’s support under schemes like the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP). In July 2023, the project was finally brought under the PMKSY, reviving hopes of completion.

Chief Engineer Deepak Garg of JSD-Dharamshala confirmed that a detailed report on the e-tendering controversy has been submitted to the government, which is yet to take a call.

Farmers’ patience wearing thin

Meanwhile, farmers and orchardists who have been waiting more than a decade for irrigation relief remain disheartened. They are urging the government to cut through the red tape, award the tender, and ensure that the project fulfils its promise of bringing a green revolution to the drought-prone belt.