Water pipelines, overhead cables to go underground

Kuldeep Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 5

The project is being executed by Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Ltd (SJPNL). “The detailed project report (DPR) is ready and we will invite bids by the month-end”, said Dharmendra Gill, managing director, SJPNL.

It would seek an administrative approval for the project from the Board of Directors (BoD) of Shimla Smart City Ltd, which is likely to meet here on February 11, said Pankaj Rai, managing director, Shimla smart mission.

The SJPNL would lay the 2×2 m wide duct under The Mall from the Simla Club to the Central Telegraph office (CTO). Once the project succeeded, it could be replicated in other parts of the city, said the managers.

Nitin Garg, general manager (Technical), Shimla smart city project, said the funds for the pilot project would come from the smart city mission.

The clutter of overhead cables was not only prone to damages by snowfall and galloping monkeys, but also presented a clumsy look to the visitor strolling on The Mall. The water pipes also looked dirty as these were stained with ‘paan’ spits and dirt by monkeys and stray dogs, said a local resident.

Garg said the duct would be laid in the middle of The Mall and along the drain side. It would have three separate trays for electric cables, telephone cables and water pipes, he said.

Talking about the safety, operation and repairs, Gill said the duct would have openings at key points for operation and maintenance. It would have ca eras for overseeing its smooth operation.

HP State Electricity Board Ltd, the IPH Department, Shimla Municipal Corporation and BSNL would be kept in the loop, he added. The SJPNL would complete the project in a year, he added.