Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur informed here today that the World Bank has approved the Negotiation Package of a financial outlay of Rs. 1825 crore ($ 250 million) for Shimla Water Supply and Sewerage Services Delivery Program for improvement of Water Supply Scheme services in Greater Shimla Area. He said that out of Rs. 1825 crore, World Bank would provide financial assistance of Rs. 1168 crore and rest amount of Rs. 657 crore would be borne by the Himachal Pradesh Government. He said that the project would ensure round the clock water supply in Municipal Corporation Shimla besides strengthening the sewerage services.
He said that under the project augmentation of Shimla Water Supply from River Satluj would be done with additional 67 MLD to meet the water demand upto year 2050. He said that bulk water supply to Shimla Peri-Urban areas would also be ensured to meet the water demand of Kufri, Shoghi, Ghanahatti which fall under Special Area Development Authority and additional planning areas up to year 2050. Jai Ram Thakur said that it would also provide round the clock water supply to all domestic and commercial consumers within Shimla Municipal Corporation area and Improved Sewerage services within Shimla Municipal Corporation Area. He said that the project envisages lifting of water from Satluj river near village Shakrodi, involving lifting to a height of 1.6 km and pipe laying of 22 km to augment 67 MLD water at Sanjauli.
The Chief Minister said that the project also envisaged replacement of the distribution pipe network across MC Shimla to upgrade it to a 24×7 water supply system. Additionally, the sewerage network in areas of Mehli-Panthaghati, Tutu and Mashobra would be provided. He said that the project would be completed by the year 2026. He said that the State Government has been able to secure this funding from the World Bank and Ministry of Finance despite fiscal constraints posed due to Covid-19. Jai Ram Thakur said that agreement in this regard between the World Bank, Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India and Urban Development Department, Himachal Pradesh would be signed soon.
