Decks cleared for Rs 1,813-cr water scheme for Shimla

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 24

Decks have been cleared for the Rs 1,813-crore Satluj water supply scheme for meeting the water requirements of the state capital till 2050 as the Cabinet today approved the draft negotiation package for the World Bank-funded project.

Cabinet approval granted 

The Cabinet on Tuesday gave approval for the negotiations by the Urban Development Department with the World Bank and Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India for funding Shimla Water Supply and Sewerage Services delivery programme for improvement of water services in Greater Shimla Area.

The Cabinet at its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur gave approval for the negotiations by the Urban Development Department with the World Bank and Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India for funding Shimla Water Supply and Sewerage Services delivery programme for improvement of water services in Greater Shimla Area.

Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj revealed that out of $250 million (Rs 1,813 crore), the World Bank will provide financial assistance to the tune of $160 million (Rs 1,160.32 crore) and the remaining amount of $90 million (Rs 652.68 crore) will be borne by the Himachal Government. He added that Principal Secretary, Department of Urban Development, had been authorized to finalize and sign the negotiation package with the World Bank.

The minister said the Department of Urban Development has been able to secure this funding from the World Bank and Ministry of Finance despite fiscal constraints posed due to Covid-19.

The main component of the water scheme include augmentation of Shimla water supply from river Sutlej with additional 67 MLD to meet the water demand of the state capital up to year 2050. The scheme will help meet the bulk water supply requirement to Shimla peri-urban areas and meet the demand of Special Area Development Authorities (SADA) of Kufri, Shoghi, Ghanahatti and additional planning areasand improved sewerage services within the MC areas.

“The project envisages lifting water from Sutlej near village Shakrodi, involving lifting to a height of 1.6 km and pipe laying of 22 km to augment 67 MLD water at Sanjauli,” revealed Bhardwaj.

The project also seeks to replace the distribution pipe network across MC Shimla to upgrade it to 24x7 water supply system. Additionally, the sewerage network in areas of Mehli-Panthaghati, Totu and Mashobra will be provided. This will be a flagship project for the state as it seeks to provide best in class water supply and sewerage system in Shimla that will cater to requirements of the town up to year 2050.