Gurgaon: With the city's water demand projected to double by 2041 and several areas facing water shortages during summer, Union minister Rao Inderjit Singh, during a review of major infrastructure projects, instructed officials to develop a water management plan for the future, taking into account the projected population growth up to 2051.
Officials stated that a survey conducted by IIT Roorkee is being utilized to assess future demand and plan resources, considering the city's current estimated population of around 4 million.
Currently, the city receives 400 million litres per day (MLD) from the Chandu Budhera water treatment plant and 270 MLD from the Basai treatment plant. According to the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), the city's projected peak water demand this year is around 750 MLD. With the population expected to reach 6.62 million by 2041, the city's water requirement will double to 1,408.9 MLD.
Infrastructure Projects Under Review
The meeting also included a detailed assessment of several key projects: the Palwal-Sohna-Manesar-Sonipat orbital rail corridor, the Old Gurugram Metro Project, the Delhi-Bawal RRTS Corridor, the Greater Southern Peripheral Road (SPR), the Elevated SPR Road from Khedki Daula to Vatika Chowk and from Vatika Chowk to Ghata Chowk, construction of new National Highways, the underground pipeline project from the NCR water channel, STP construction in private builder societies, and rainwater drainage plans.
The Union minister sought the current status of these projects, pending obstacles, and stipulated timelines. He directed officials to accelerate work, improve inter-departmental coordination, and complete these public interest projects within the set timeframe.
Metro Project Progress
Regarding the metro project, officials reported that approximately 8% of the Gurugram Metro project has been completed, with a target to finish the corridor from Millennium City Centre to Sector-9 by August 2028. “The process of private land acquisition is still underway at certain locations,” an official said. Singh directed that all pending land acquisition matters be resolved promptly to accelerate project work and ensure adherence to the stipulated timeline.
Southern Peripheral Road Update
During the review of the SPR project, officials said construction work from NH-48 to Vatika Chowk is likely to commence in October, while the design of Vatika Chowk is in its final stage. They have set a target to complete the project within 30 months of construction commencement.
Singh emphasized that Gurgaon is a rapidly developing city and all infrastructure projects should be completed on a priority basis, keeping future requirements in mind. He stated that no unnecessary delay will be accepted in projects that will strengthen the traffic system, drinking water availability, drainage, and public transport system.
Environmental Monitoring
While reviewing other agenda items, the Union minister directed officials of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board to ensure regular monitoring of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) installed in private residential societies. He said that the STP located in Manesar should also be regularly inspected and strict action as per rules should be taken against institutions violating environmental standards. “The monitoring system needs to be made more effective for environmental protection and conservation of water resources,” said Singh.
