24X7 Water Supply: Expedite process to get Centre’s nod, Chandigarh MC told

Chandigarh, October 7

After a prolonged delay, the Municipal Corporation (MC) has been directed to expedite the process of getting approval from the Central Government for the 24x7 water supply project in the city.

The signing of an agreement between the French firm, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the MC has been delayed as the civic body is yet to get the necessary approvals in this regard.

During a meeting with MC Commissioner Anindita Mitra on the issue, UT Adviser Dharam Pal directed the civic body to complete the process of getting approvals from the Centre at the earliest.

The AFD is to provide Rs413 crore for the project in the form of a loan, which is to be repaid in 15 years. In addition to this, the European Union (EU) will give a grant of Rs98 crore for the project.

For the release of the grant, the AFD has to sign a credit facility agreement (CFA) with the Union Ministry of Finance following which an agreement will be signed between the MC and the French agency.

The project is aimed at helping conservation of water resources, prevention of leakages preservation of water table by gradually phasing out drinking water supply through tubewells and providing fresh surface level water for drinking purpose round the clock. — TNS