Bulk Water supply scheme for Shimla receives forest clearance
Shimla in the foothills of Himalayas and the capital of Himachal has always been one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Surge in footfall of tourists in Shimla and neighboring suburbs usually creates water shortage in the city. Moreover, weak monsoon and inadequate snowfall during the winters adds to the problem.
Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj thanked Centre government today for approving Bulk Water Supply Scheme to Shimla through Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Government of India.
He said the Centre government has provided forest clearance for the scheme in short duration. He also thanked Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav. He also congratulated officers of H.P Forest Department and Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL) for this work. He said that the state government is committed to provide 24×7 water supply to Shimla town. Five wards of Shimla would be provided with 24×7 water supply by the end of the year, he said.
Suresh Bhardwaj said the draft Negotiation Package negotiated by the Urban Development Department with the World Bank and Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Govt of India under which funding of Shimla Water Supply & Sewerage Services Delivery Program for improvement of WSS services in Greater Shimla Area for Financial Assistance from World Bank with total financial outlay of $ 250 Million (INR 1813 Crore) has also been approved. Out of $250 Million (INR 1813 Crore); World Bank will provide Financial assistance to the tune of $ 160 Million ( INR 1160.32 Crore) and rest amount of $ 90 Million ( INR 652.68 Crore) will be borne by Government of Himachal Pradesh.
The project envisages lifting water from Satluj 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. The project also seeks to replace the distribution pipe network across MC Shimla to upgrade it to 24×7 water supply system. Additionally, the sewerage network in areas of Mehli, Panthaghati, Totu and Mashobra would be provided. This is 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.
