To plug leakage, MC starts replacing old water supply pipes in Solan

The Solan Municipal Corporation (MC) has begun overhauling its dilapidated water supply infrastructure. The residents of the city face an acute shortage of water during the summer and have been eagerly awaiting the replacement of the old worn out rust-ridden pipes.

The work to lay four new pipes from Mohan Park kick-started two days ago. The Jal Shakti Department has been assigned the task to overhaul the system at a cost of Rs 7.59 crore in the first phase.

Mayor Usha Sharma, who inspected the work, said that these efforts would help in plugging at least 25 per cent water leakage occurring due to old dilapidated pipes. New pipelines would be laid from Mohan Park to the Jaunaji road in the first phase and two contractors had been assigned the task. Additionally, the work to lay another pipeline in the contentious Khundidar area, which witnesses large-scale leakage, would also be allotted soon, as tenders had been invited.

The Solan MC is facing an alarming 40 per cent water loss due to a dilapidated supply infrastructure. It is also facing a financial crisis along with mounting water dues. Leakages from the main water tanks and the old pipe network are not only leading to the wastage of precious water but also putting nearby homes at risk due to seepage.

People living close to the water tanks are facing the brunt of water leakage. At Jawahar Park, a water pool has formed due to continuous water leakage. Locals now use this pool water when regular supply falters. The situation in the Tank road are is far more critical. The water seeping down from the tank is posing a threat to houses lying below and anxious residents are demanding swift intervention.

The urgency to plug leakages also arise from the fact that water dues have been causing additional financial strain on the civic body. Since September 21, 2024, tariffs levied by the Solan and Palampur municipal corporations have risen nearly fourfold — from Rs 27.71 per kilolitre to Rs 100 per kilolitre. Unlike other towns and cities where the civic body concerned manages water, Solan depends on the Jal Shakti Department for supply.

As per a Cabinet decision taken in August, the task to distribute water would be transferred to the Jal Shakti Department but its modalities were yet to be formulated and the civic body continues to face mounting water dues.

The corporation, however, hasn’t passed the increased cost to the public. As a result, its liabilities have increased to more than Rs 125 crore.