In a significant move to bolster urban infrastructure, Chandigarh's State Level Technical Committee (SLTC) has given its nod to a comprehensive ₹24.17 crore project aimed at overhauling the city's water supply and sewerage networks. The approval, granted in a meeting chaired by the Home-cum-Local Government Secretary on Wednesday, targets the replacement of deteriorating pipelines in nearly a dozen vital sectors and colonies.
Major Infrastructure Push for Key Areas
The committee cleared a total of 10 agenda items, setting the stage for crucial underground utility upgrades. The extensive list of areas slated for improvement includes Sectors 15, 16, 17, 24, 26, 30, 35, Bapudham, Industrial Area Phases 1 and 2, Hallomajra, Ramdarbar, and Burail. Officials highlighted that this upgrade is urgently required due to the combined challenges of aging pipeline infrastructure and increased pressure from rising populations in these localities.
The entire financial outlay of ₹24.17 crore will be sourced from the central government's AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) fund. A senior official involved in the process clarified that this arrangement places no direct financial burden on the Municipal Corporation or the UT administration. "The Centre releases funds directly and on time for these projects. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs closely monitors the progress, and the MC is required to submit regular utilisation reports," the official told The Times of India.
Detailed Breakdown of Approved Works
The approved plan encompasses a series of targeted projects across Chandigarh. Here is a closer look at the key works sanctioned under the ₹24.17-crore blueprint:
- Sector 26 (Bapudham): A new pipeline to enhance water pressure, approved at a cost of ₹94.42 lakh against a tender of ₹95.37 lakh.
- Sector 26 (Bapudham): Installation of a new sewage pipeline along with machine hole chambers, costing ₹22.06 lakh (tender ₹33.25 lakh).
- Sector 30: A major sewer pipeline upgrade with an approved cost of ₹78.56 lakh, against a tender value of ₹1.22 crore.
- Hallomajra: Laying of a new sewer pipeline for ₹11.47 lakh (tender ₹13.94 lakh).
- Ramdarbar Phases 1 & 2: Sewer pipeline project approved for ₹28.08 lakh, with a tender of ₹45.29 lakh.
- Industrial Area Phase 2: Sewer pipeline work near the passport office, costing ₹23.46 lakh (tender ₹36.84 lakh).
- Industrial Area Phase 1: Similar sewer pipeline work near the passport office, with an allocation of ₹48 lakh (tender ₹65.76 lakh).
- Burail: Strengthening of the sewerage system for ₹57.08 lakh (tender ₹68.08 lakh).
- Sector 35: Sewer pipeline project approved at ₹35.89 lakh against a tender of ₹54.37 lakh.
- Sectors 15, 16, 17, 24: A consolidated project for strengthening the sewer system across these four sectors, with an approved cost of ₹61.77 lakh (tender ₹95.55 lakh).
Addressing Long-Standing Civic Issues
This large-scale approval is expected to address persistent civic complaints related to water pressure inconsistencies and sewer blockages in the identified zones. By replacing old and fragile pipelines, the Municipal Corporation aims to provide more reliable and efficient services to residents and businesses. The use of the AMRUT 2.0 scheme ensures that the projects are aligned with national standards for urban transformation and sustainability.
The swift approval by the SLTC indicates the administration's priority on foundational urban services. With the funding mechanism securely in place, the focus now shifts to the timely execution of these works, which promise to significantly upgrade the quality of life and urban resilience in key parts of Chandigarh.
