Himachal: New Projects Will Be Approved Only Based on Water Availability; Promoters Must Bear Costs
Shimla: In Himachal Pradesh, new projects will now be approved only if sufficient water is available. Until water arrangements are made, the state government’s Jal Shakti Department will not issue the mandatory certificate. If project promoters bear the costs themselves, the department will arrange water and the project will then receive approval.
The government’s decision comes in view of the increasing strain on water sources in the state. All projects, including hotels, industries, and small-scale ventures, are included. Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta issued a letter to the Chief Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, instructing that if an existing water supply scheme is not available in the area, the potential water requirement for the project will first be assessed, and a new water supply plan will be proposed accordingly.
Project promoters will have to deposit the amount specified by the department for constructing or strengthening the water supply plan. If water can be provided through an existing scheme, the promoter must also bear the cost of strengthening or expanding that scheme.
If the project proposes to use groundwater or any other open water source, its availability will be confirmed only after verification by the Jal Shakti Department. The entire cost of preparing the water supply report will also be borne by the promoter. Promoters must submit all project-related information to the department for verification, and final approval from the government will be granted only after the necessary NOC is obtained.
The department clarified that while issuing the mandatory certificate, strict adherence to all guidelines and prescribed standards will be ensured.
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