Chandigarh's 24x7 Water Supply Project Officially Rejected by Municipal Corporation
In a significant development, the Municipal Corporation (MC) of Chandigarh has formally rejected the proposed 24x7 water supply project. This decision means the city will continue to depend on its existing network of tubewells for daily water needs, with no further closures planned for operational installations.
Relief for Groundwater-Dependent Areas
Officials have indicated that the rejection of the project has brought considerable relief to numerous areas across Chandigarh that rely heavily on groundwater for their water supply. Over the past three years, approximately 59 out of 289 tubewells were closed as part of preparatory measures linked to the now-scrapped 24x7 water supply plan. With the project no longer under consideration, the remaining 230 functioning tubewells will continue operating and supplying water to consumers according to the current schedule and established practices.
These tubewells are strategically spread across different parts of the city, with a notable concentration in colonies and villages. In many such localities, tubewells remain the primary source of potable water, catering to thousands of residents on a daily basis. Instead of proceeding with shutdowns, the MC is now exploring plans to strengthen existing tubewells wherever necessary. Financial estimates for upgrades, repairs, and improvements are reportedly being prepared at various administrative levels.
Current Water Supply Statistics and Infrastructure
Sources reveal that Chandigarh currently receives approximately 17 million gallons per day (MGD) of water from more than 200 tubewells, making them a crucial water source in several areas. Special manpower has been deployed at these installations to ensure timely water supply and provide security. Under the original 24x7 water supply project, all tubewells were slated to be closed in a phased manner after identifying priority areas. The project envisioned a complete shift to canal water, with increased usage and re-channelisation to guarantee uninterrupted round-the-clock supply across the city. Tubewells were to be gradually decommissioned as canal water infrastructure expanded.
However, with the MC rejecting the project, Chandigarh will persist with a mixed supply system involving both canal water and tubewells. Officials assert that this approach will help ensure that areas dependent on groundwater do not face disruptions, particularly during peak demand periods or maintenance-related interruptions.
Operational Costs and Future Focus
According to records available with the MC, the public health wing of the engineering department spends between Rs 22 crore and Rs 24 crore annually on operating tubewells across Chandigarh. This expenditure encompasses electricity bills, purchase of materials required to run the tubewells, routine repairs, maintenance work, and manpower costs. The manpower is managed through a combination of contractual staff and outsourced agencies.
In addition to operational expenses, the MC also allocates funds for chemicals and other consumables essential for maintaining water quality. Contracts with private agencies have been signed to provide immediate maintenance and operational support, ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of the tubewells. With the 24x7 project no longer under consideration, the focus will now remain on maintaining existing infrastructure, ensuring operational efficiency, and continuing supply as per current arrangements. This decision is expected to particularly benefit residents in colonies and village pockets, where canal water alone may not suffice.
Evolution of Chandigarh's Water Supply System
- During its initial phase, Chandigarh was entirely dependent on tubewells for potable water supply. Until 1983, the city received water exclusively through tubewells.
- With population growth, authorities began exploring canal water as an additional source. In 1983, the first memorandum of understanding (MoU) for water sharing was signed for Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, and Chandimandir.
- Between 1983 and 1989, two phases of water pipelines were laid, bringing 20 MGD of canal water through the Bhakra line, which was shared among the four stakeholders.
- Subsequently, the third and fourth pipeline phases were laid in 1996 and 2004. In 2019, phase 5 and phase 6 lines were added to further augment canal water supply.
- At present, 120 MGD of canal water flows through six phases, with approximately 87 MGD supplied to Chandigarh. The remaining 33 MGD is shared among Mohali, Panchkula, and Chandimandir.
- Besides canal water, Chandigarh receives around 17 MGD of water through its tubewells, bringing the city's total water supply to approximately 104 MGD.
Additional Tubewell Networks in the Union Territory
Apart from the MC's 230 active tubewells, the Chandigarh administration maintains around 30 tubewells under its jurisdiction. These installations, located mainly in peripheral areas, are managed by the engineering department of the Chandigarh administration. Originally intended for supplying water to farmers for agricultural use, some residents who constructed houses outside the Lal Dora (red line) area along agricultural land have also started drawing water from these tubewells. Additionally, the forest department operates a few tubewells in forest and adjoining areas.
Commercial Tubewells and Regulatory Framework
The MC has permitted 32 major commercial establishments in the city to operate exclusive tubewells for their own use under the industrial category. These establishments meet their water demand through these permitted tubewells. As per existing water byelaws, the MC charges these commercial units for drawing water and operating tubewells. Officials stated that such permissions were granted considering the high water consumption requirements of major commercial establishments.
