24/7 water supply project: Demo zone tender re-issued due to cold response

Time of India

15-05-2025

Ludhiana: Efforts of the municipal corporation to provide 24-hour water supply to city residents through the creation of demo zones in the first phase, have been stonewalled by cold response to tenders.
Since only one company expressed interest in the project, despite tenders being floated twice, the technical bid could not be opened and the tender was re-issued. Technical bids are to be opened next month.
The demo zone will encompass around 14,000 houses across six areas in the city, selected under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 and the World Bank-funded canal water supply project.
Areas included in the demo zone are Jagat Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Tarsem Colony, and Silver City on Jassian Road, Urban Estate Dugri Phase-1 and 2 and Urban Estate Phase 1 and 2 on Chandigarh Road.
Under the
AMRUT scheme
, it is estimated that around Rs 7 crore will be spent on development of the demo zone. In contrast, around Rs 43 crore will be invested in creating the demo zone under the World Bank project. Initially, separate tenders were to be issued for the demo zone to be developed for 24-hour water supply under both schemes.
However, since the work proposed for both is the same, the corporation combined them and issued a single tender.
Currently, the city's
water supply system
relies heavily on groundwater, with over 20 lakh residents being supplied water through tubewells. Approximately 450 MLD groundwater is extracted daily. To address this, the corporation planned a special scheme to provide 24-hour water supply to residents, under which water will be supplied through overhead water tankers.
A plan to install water reading meters in lieu of providing 24-hour water supply is also under consideration.
This will enable residents to pay for the water they use, promoting conservation.
The purpose of creating a demo zone is to identify potential issues and shortcomings in the scheme before implementing it across the city. By testing the system in a limited area, the corporation can address any problems that arise and make necessary adjustments.
This will ensure a smooth roll-out of the 24-hour water supply project across the city, providing residents with a reliable and efficient water supply system.
The corporation is working to complete the canal water supply project as soon as possible. With the demo zone serving as a testing ground, the civic body aims at ironing out shortcomings.
Project Highlights
Demo zone: The demo zone will cover around 14,000 houses across six areas, including Jagat Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Tarsem Colony, Silver City, Urban Estate Dugri Phase-1 and 2, and Urban Estate Phase 1 and 2
Funding: The project is funded under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme (Rs 7 crore) and the World Bank-funded canal water supply project (Rs 43 crore).
Current water supply: Ludhiana's water supply relies heavily on groundwater, with approximately 450 MLD extracted daily.
Long-term benefits of project
Reduced
groundwater extraction
: By switching to a canal-based water supply system, the project aims to curb depletion of natural aquifers. This will help in conserving groundwater resources
Improved water table: The project is anticipated to raise the underground water table, which has been a concern due to excessive groundwater extraction
Enhanced water quality: With the establishment of a world-class water treatment plant, the quality of water supplied to residents will improve, reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases
Financial savings: The project will ease the financial burden of operating and maintaining existing tubewells, which are currently used to extract groundwater
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