Government gives clearance for bulk water supply scheme in Shimla

SHIMLA: Suresh Bharadwaj, Minister of Urban Development, Housing, Town Planning, Government of Himachal Pradesh, announced on Friday, September 10, that the proposed bulk water supply scheme for Shimla has received official clearance from the forest department. He added that the clearance came in a short time, thereby paving the road for launch of a scheme designed to address the water shortages in Shimla.

Suresh said that the Government of Himachal Pradesh has made commitment to provide 24×7 water supply in Shimla, and in these endeavours, five wards of Shimla would be provided with round the clock supply by the end of the year.

A financial outlay of $250 million has been approved for the scheme. Out of this approved amount, the World Bank will provide financial assistance by giving $150 million, and the remaining $90 million will be provided by the Government of Himachal Pradesh.

The project is a flagship project of the state for it aims to provide best in class water supply and sewerage system in Shimla. It has been designed to cater to requirements of the city till 2050. It will involve lifting from Sutlej river near Shakrodi village to a height of 1.6 km and pipe laying of 22 km to augment 67 million litres per day water at Sanjauli. It will also replace the distribution pipe network across Shimla Municipal Corporation to upgrade it to a 24×7 water supply system. Moreover, sewerage network in Mehli, Panthaghati, Totu and Mashobra would be provided.