Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Initiates Third-Party Inspection for Flagship Water Project
In a significant development for Chandigarh's urban infrastructure, the Municipal Corporation has decided to proceed with third-party inspection of the 24x7 water supply pilot project in Manimajra. This move represents a crucial step in ensuring the quality and compliance of this flagship initiative under the Smart City Mission.
Punjab Engineering College Appointed as Inspection Agency
The civic body has formally engaged Punjab Engineering College (PEC) for this comprehensive evaluation exercise. PEC has conveyed its consent to undertake the inspection on a payment basis, marking a professional collaboration between the municipal authority and the esteemed educational institution.
The Municipal Corporation has sought exact charges for the inspection and has written to the director of PEC to formalize the engagement. While the official fee structure is yet to be communicated in writing, sources within the MC have indicated that, based on initial discussions, the inspection is expected to cost between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12 lakh. An estimate of the precise amount remains awaited as both parties work to finalize the financial arrangements.
Comprehensive Scope of Inspection
Given the extensive scope of this third-party assessment, the MC has already apprised PEC of all relevant documents and project-related information. The civic body has assured full cooperation throughout the inspection process, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Sources have confirmed that experts from Punjab Engineering College will undertake a thorough evaluation of multiple project aspects. The core technical areas within the inspection scope include:
- Pumping machinery and distribution systems
- Underground service reservoir infrastructure
- Construction quality of water works
- Engineering SCADA system implementation
- Smart water metering installation and functionality
Beyond these technical components, the inspection may extend to broader procedural and implementation aspects, including:
- The tendering process and procurement procedures
- Execution of work on the ground
- Administrative approvals and permissions
- Financial expenditure and budget utilization
- Identification of any anomalies or deviations
- Assessment of missed deadlines and project delays
- Evaluation of project requirements fulfillment
Formal Communication and Project Background
In a detailed letter addressed to the PEC director, the Municipal Corporation outlined the project's context and inspection requirements. The communication stated: "This is regarding inspection of the 24x7 Water Supply Pilot Project in Manimajra, which was executed under the Smart City Mission by Chandigarh Smart City Limited."
The letter further explained: "As per the terms outlined in the agreement, a third-party inspection agency was to be appointed by Chandigarh Smart City Limited, and the charges for the same were to be borne by them. Since Chandigarh Smart City Limited concluded, and the project was entrusted to the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, it is essential to ensure that the project was executed in full compliance with the technical specifications and standards as set forth in the agreement and related documents."
The Municipal Corporation emphasized its commitment to cooperation, stating: "The Municipal Corporation shall extend full cooperation, including providing access to site records, drawings, testing data, and other relevant documentation required by the inspection agency. Timely engagement of the inspection agency is crucial for certification and ensuring smooth public operation of the project."
Existing Scrutiny and Project Significance
This water supply project is already under multiple layers of scrutiny. In November, the office of the Director General of Audit of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India ordered a detailed audit of the feasibility study for 24x7 water supply under the Smart City Mission of Chandigarh. A three-member CAG audit team visited the city from November 11 to 14 specifically for this project audit.
Additionally, the UT's vigilance department has summoned concerned officials and obtained required documents to probe various aspects of the project implementation. This multi-agency oversight reflects the project's significance and the authorities' commitment to ensuring proper execution.
The ambitious project was originally planned at a cost of approximately Rs 160 crore, with Rs 70 crore earmarked for capital expenditure and Rs 90 crore allocated for operations and maintenance over a 15-year period. This substantial investment underscores the importance of thorough inspection and validation.
Purpose and Urgency of Third-Party Assessment
The third-party inspection by Punjab Engineering College is intended to provide an independent, holistic assessment of both the technical systems and execution framework of the pilot project. This evaluation aligns with the terms of the original agreement and the current administrative framework under the Municipal Corporation.
The civic body has emphasized the urgency of appointing the inspection team to facilitate certification and enable smooth public operations upon completion of the review. This proactive approach demonstrates the MC's commitment to delivering quality infrastructure to Chandigarh residents while maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the process.
The engagement status currently stands as follows:
- Punjab Engineering College has given consent for inspection on a payment basis
- The Municipal Corporation awaits written confirmation of the exact fee structure
- Initial discussions indicate charges ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 12 lakh
- The MC has assured PEC full cooperation, including access to all records, drawings, testing data, and relevant documentation
This development represents a critical milestone in Chandigarh's urban development journey, particularly in the water infrastructure sector. The involvement of a prestigious institution like Punjab Engineering College adds credibility to the inspection process, while the Municipal Corporation's transparent approach sets a positive precedent for future infrastructure projects in the region.
