Himachal wants water project fast-tracked

NEWDELHI: The Himachal Pradesh government has written to the department of economic affairs, asking it to fast-track the process of approval for a World Bankaided project that will help bring water from Koldam Dam in Bilaspur district to Shimla, which is currently battling a water crisis.

The project has been touted as a long term solution for Shimla’s water crisis and is likely to bring 10 to 15 million litres per day (MLD ) of water to the city.

The World Bank would provide around ₹770 crore in three instalments for the implementation of the project. The international financial institution had earlier asked the state to prepare tenders for the project by June 16. The government is also likely to appoint a consultant for the same.

Officials in the ministry of water resources said Shimla needs to change the entire distribution system to save wastage of water. The tourist destination faced severe water crisis last week as it received 60% less water daily than its requirement. The crisis is likely to hit Himachal’s tourism sector which comprises of 7.2% of the state’s GDP.

According to Bengaluru-based organisation Climate Trends, the reservoir levels in Himachal Pradesh were 56% below normal for this time of the year.

The central water commission has maintained that there is a 10% reduction in levels of water reservoirs across the country.