Gurgaon's Water Crisis Set for Major Relief with New Treatment Plant Unit
For countless families residing in the high-rise apartments along Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) and Dwarka Expressway, the arrival of summer has long been synonymous with anxiety over dry taps and dependence on expensive private water tankers. This perennial struggle, however, is poised for a significant turnaround as Gurgaon's water infrastructure receives a crucial upgrade.
New 100 MLD Unit at Chandu Budhera Plant Nears Completion
The fifth unit of 100 million liters per day (MLD) at the Chandu Budhera water treatment plant is advancing rapidly towards its May deadline, offering a beacon of hope for residents. According to a GMDA official, the project is currently 72% complete and is in its final stages of construction. "Efforts are being intensified to ensure it becomes operational by May, which will specifically benefit sectors 81 to 115, including the critical areas along SPR and Dwarka Expressway," the official stated.
This development follows the project's award in March 2024, with an estimated cost of Rs 52.5 crore and a two-year timeline for completion. Once functional, the unit will elevate Gurgaon's overall water filtration capacity from 670 MLD to 770 MLD, marking a substantial improvement in the city's ability to meet growing demand.
Current Water Supply and Projected Demand
Presently, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) supplies 670 MLD of water daily, sourced from two primary facilities: 400 MLD from the Chandu Budhera plant and the remainder from the Basai facility. GMDA projections indicate that the city's peak water demand this year will reach approximately 750 MLD, underscoring the urgency of expanding capacity to prevent shortages.
Sector 72 Boosting Station to Enhance SPR Supply
In addition to the new treatment unit, a boosting station in Sector 72 is also on track for commissioning, potentially as early as March. This facility, with a capacity of 240 MLD, is estimated to cost Rs 63 crore and spans 4 acres. Its journey has been fraught with challenges, including delays from the Covid-19 pandemic and annual construction bans in the National Capital Region (NCR), after its foundation was laid in June 2019 with an initial nine-month completion plan.
"The machinery at the Sector 72 boosting station has already undergone testing, and pipeline-laying work is progressing. We are optimistic about commissioning it before the summer season," the GMDA official added. This station is critical because areas along SPR currently depend on the Sector 51 boosting station, which fails to meet peak demand, forcing many residential societies to rely on private tankers.
Impact on Residents and Future Outlook
The combined efforts of the new Chandu Budhera unit and the Sector 72 boosting station are expected to alleviate the persistent water scarcity issues faced by Gurgaon's expanding residential zones. As the city continues to grow, these infrastructure enhancements represent a vital step towards ensuring reliable water access and improving the quality of life for thousands of households.
