Shimla: Budget Crisis Hits Satluj Drinking Water Project, Company Plans ₹100 Crore Loan
The Satluj Drinking Water Project, aimed at providing 24-hour water supply in Shimla, is facing a severe budget crisis. The World Bank has released ₹587 crore for the project so far, but the company has received only ₹250 crore. The status of the remaining funds is currently unclear.
Despite the budget allocation from the bank, the company now plans to take a loan of ₹100 crore. A proposal has already been prepared and will be discussed in the upcoming board meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary for approval.
The company stated that the board meeting will discuss budget allocations for drinking water and sewage projects. With support from the World Bank, work is ongoing to provide 24-hour water supply to Shimla and connect every household to the sewage network. In the first phase, approximately ₹370 crore has been spent to bring water from the Satluj River to Shimla, while in the second phase, new pipelines and tanks are being constructed to ensure continuous water supply.
Around 36,000 water consumers in the city are expected to receive uninterrupted water from next year. Testing of tanks and pipelines is currently underway in Shakarodi. Managing Director Virendra Singh Thakur said the board meeting will review various proposals, after which the process for taking the loan will begin.
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