Shimla to get 24-hour water by 2021: Thakur

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 18

Under the long-term action plan for the improvement of the drinking water supply to Shimla, a detailed project report (DPR) amounting to Rs 322.5 crore has been finalised for augmenting the supply from the Sutlej. This was stated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over a meeting to review short-term and long-term strategies for improving the water supply to Shimla here on Tuesday.

The Chief Minister said the ambitious project would be completed by December 2021 and would ensure 24-hour water supply to the town. After completion of this project, Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Ltd would work for the improvement of the distribution network for which bid documents had been prepared by Transaction Advisor.

He said as short-term measure, nine storage tanks, along with feeder lines, were proposed to be constructed with a total capacity of 17 MLD. The sites had been finalised and the work would be completed by April 2019 by spending Rs 25.50 crore.

The minister said the augmentation work of the Gumma water supply scheme from the Sutlej was being carried out with a total outlay of Rs 63 crore by the Irrigation and Public Health Department. The work would be completed by April 2019.

The CM said tenders had been invited for the replacement of four pumps at the lift water supply scheme Gumma to improve pumping efficiency. The work would be completed by February next.

In order to provide quality drinking water to residents, upgrade of water treatment plant (UV treatment and chlorination) would be completed by March next. This would ensure water free of bacteria to the people. He also directed officers to ensure plugging of leakages from main as well as distribution lines so that water losses could be avoided.

IPH Minister Mahender Singh Thakur said the endeavour of the government was to be well-prepared in advance so that people did not face water crisis again. He said 25 water ATMs would be installed in Shimla.

Water treatment plant being upgraded

• The augmentation work on the Gumma water supply scheme from the Sutlej is being carried out with a total outlay of Rs 63 crore by the Irrigation and Public Health Department 

• The work will be completed by April 2019

• Tenders have been invited for the replacement of four pumps at the lift water supply scheme in Gumma. The work will be completed by February next

• The upgrade of water treatment plant (UV treatment and chlorination) will be completed by March 

• As many as 25 water ATMs will be installed in different parts of Shimla to facilitate the general public as well as tourists

• Leakage in the main pipeline and also distribution lines will be plugged to check water wastage