Four months after Amit Shah inaugurated 24×7 water supply project in Manimajra, Centre says project still in ‘trial phase’

Sahu informed the Parliament that the 24×7 water supply pilot project in Manimajra is currently at “trial phase”, during which the installed systems and equipment are being tested to verify performance, identify the defects, if any, and ensure that components meet desired standards.

After the government’s response, Tewari claimed that Centre has admitted with its response that the 24×7 water supply project in Manimajra “was a photo op”. “It is still in the trial phase and they are very far away from achieving 24×7 supply. Moreover, if you look at the list of Smart City projects implemented since 2014 they are routine municipal corporation projects.” 

“No project that makes Chandigarh smart or futuristic has been implemented,” he added. 

Tewari had asked the central government the details of the progress and outcomes of the Chandigarh Smart City Mission since 2016 and whether the Centre is aware that despite the high-profile launch in August 2024, Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL) has failed to deliver 24×7 clean water in Manimajra and supplying only two hours of “muddy, undrinkable water” daily to residents.

He also asked what were the measures taken or being taken to ensure timely completion of infrastructure initiatives in Chandigarh to address the issue failures and the details of budgetary allocation and expenditure on the water supply project in Manimajra since inception and the measures being/are taken to address inadequacies in the CSCL website, especially incomplete details of ongoing and completed projects.

The Chandigarh MP went on to ask whether an independent external audit or a CAG performance audit of Smart City projects has been conducted in the country, and if so, the details thereof, state/UT-wise.

Sahu stated that as on December 3, out of a total 36 projects amounting to Rs 1,537 crore, 34 projects worth Rs 1,475 crore have been completed by CSCL, as per data provided by the city.

‘Supply hours increased’

Sahu’s reply also mentioned that the project has achieved certain deliverables like supply hours have been enhanced from 9 hours to 18 hours in various zones and water billing quantity has been increased from 2.5 million gallon per day (MGD) to 3.5 MGD with the installation of 12,700 smart water meters, which would help in reducing non-revenue water (NRW).

The minister of state mentioned that there has been identification and isolation of unauthorised water connections and potable water is being supplied to the citizens, with chlorine analysers installed in each District Metered Area (DMA) and at critical points to ensure maintenance of water quality.

“To ensure water quality, daily water samples are being collected by the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (MCC). Additionally, random water samples are taken on a daily basis from various households in Manimajra,” he added. 

“No grievance has been reported in November 2024 for Manimajra,” the reply said.