Chandigarh: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated a state-of-the-art 24×7 water supply project at Manimajra in Chandigarh, completed at a cost of approximately Rs 75 crore under the Smart City Mission. The project promises to benefit over one lakh residents, ensuring continuous water supply through a 22 km pipeline.
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah highlighted the significant impact of the project, which includes the construction of two large reservoirs to guarantee 24-hour water availability. He emphasized the installation of smart meters, which will help identify and address water leakages promptly, preventing consumers from bearing additional costs. The introduction of a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) pump ensures consistent water pressure throughout the settlement.
Shah underscored the importance of clean water, noting that contaminated or insufficient water supply can lead to severe health issues. With the new filtration plant in place, residents will receive filtered water around the clock, year-round.
Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, the Union Home Secretary, and the Director of the Intelligence Bureau were among the dignitaries present at the event.
The Home Minister praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision under the Smart City Scheme, which has significantly enhanced the quality of life in urban areas. Chandigarh, being one of the first smart cities announced, has received over Rs 1000 crore for various development projects, including this water supply initiative.
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched by Prime Minister Modi, the government aims to provide clean tap water to every household across the country. Shri Shah highlighted the progress made, with 150 million homes now having access to tap water, leading to a notable reduction in diarrhoea-related deaths.
Shah also mentioned the extensive development work carried out in Chandigarh, including the establishment of five sewage treatment plants, solid waste management facilities, and an Integrated Command and Control Center, which has significantly reduced traffic violations and fatal road accidents.
Reflecting on the past decade, Shah described it as a golden era of development for India, marked by significant achievements in various fields, from space exploration to national security. He expressed confidence in the continued support for Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and the NDA government, predicting another term in power in 2029.