Sutlej water for Shimla soon

Water rationing could soon be a thing of the past for Shimla residents. Reason: the World Bank-aided Bulk Water Supply project to Shimla from the Sutlej is nearing completion. “If everything goes as planned, Shimla will start getting water from this project in June this year,” said Rajesh Kashyap, General Manager, Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL).

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The water scheme will lift 67 MLD water from the Sutlej at Shakrori village near Sunni to the city through a network of 24-km-long pipes. Besides the laying of pipes, the other infrastructure required for the project included water tanks along the line, three pump houses, a treatment plant, office buildings, etc.

According to Kashyap, the entire length of pipes had been laid and connected to the water tank at Sanjauli. “Pumps for two stages have come and the tanks have also been built. The work on pumps and water tanks is on at the third stage in Dwada, and is likely to be completed by March-April,” said Kashyap.

The only hurdle that could delay the supply of water through this scheme beyond June is the availability of power infrastructure for the project. “We need a 66kv power line for pumping the water. The SJPNL had apprised the electricity board of the requirement way back in 2019, and had even submitted the amount as per the board’s estimate,” said Kashyap. “We have asked the electricity board to provide a temporary 22kv line for the project until a 66kv line is ensured,” said the General Manager.

Currently, Shimla gets around 42-45 MLD water from the existing water supply schemes, with Gumma Water Supply Scheme and Giri Water Supply Scheme providing around 90 per cent of the total supply. The SJPNL struggles to meet the city’s demand for water, particularly in summers when the tourist football rises.

Besides, it has to resort to rationing in monsoon as well when heavy silt at the source makes pumping of water difficult. “For the first 15 years, 42 MLD water will be provided through this scheme. The contractor will have to supply a minimum of 15 MLD every day, failing which he will incur penalty. Even with minimum supply, we will comfortable meet the demand,” said Kashyap.