Chandigarh took a significant step towards sustainable water management as the municipal corporation initiated a ₹71.58-crore project to establish pipelines across the city for supplying recycled water. Within 18 months, all 1,800 parks, roundabouts, and industrial areas in Chandigarh will benefit from tertiary treated water for irrigation purposes.
With the aim of conserving potable and groundwater resources through wastewater recycling, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) commenced the expansion of the tertiary treated water supply system across the city.
The project, inaugurated by UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit, witnessed the presence of city mayor Kuldeep Kumar Dhalor, UT adviser Rajeev Verma, local government secretary Nitin Kumar Yadav, and municipal commissioner Anindita Mitra. Estimated to save approximately 20 to 25 million gallons of potable water per day, the initiative will significantly contribute to groundwater conservation efforts.
Through tertiary treatment processes, sewage water undergoes chemical treatment and sedimentation, rendering it suitable for irrigation and related activities. This project aligns with the objectives of the City Water Action Plan (CWAP) to reduce reliance on ground and potable water sources.
UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit highlighted the project’s importance in conserving drinking water resources. Upgrading all six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) technology under the Smart City Mission has resulted in a notable improvement in the quality of tertiary treated water, addressing public concerns regarding foul odors.
City mayor Kuldeep Kumar elaborated on the initiative’s scope, emphasizing that all parks, green belts, road berms, and roundabouts in the city will receive treated water for irrigation purposes. Upon successful completion, recycled water will also be supplied to units in Industrial Area, Phase 1, and 2.
The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation’s endeavor marks a significant stride towards sustainable water management practices, ensuring the efficient utilization of water resources for the city’s development and environmental sustainability.
Commencing from the Industrial Area,
The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) is set to embark on a transformative initiative to usher in a greener and more water-efficient future for the city. Municipal Commissioner Anindita Mitra emphasized that this endeavor signifies a crucial milestone in Chandigarh’s quest for sustainability.
Previously, tertiary treated water was exclusively supplied from the Diggian Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). However, with the completion of this project, treated water will also be sourced from STPs in Raipur Kalan, 3BRD, and Maloya, broadening the scope of its distribution.
Entrusted to a private firm, the project is slated to span 18 months. The laying of pipelines will commence from the Industrial Area, facilitating the utilization of tertiary treated water in industries.
Initiated in 1990, the MC’s efforts to lay tertiary water pipelines initially covered Sectors 1 to 12 and 16. Over the decades, nearly 80% of the sectors have been encompassed. Currently, 10 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated water are utilized for maintaining parks, green belts, and fountains.
With plans to augment the supply to 20 MGD, the MC aims to enhance the consumption of tertiary treated water. This expansion will cater to the irrigation needs of all 1,800 parks in the city, along with providing treated water to under-construction public toilets.
In adherence to Water Bylaws, the MC mandated tertiary water connections for houses sized 500 square yards and above. While approximately 7,000 houses are eligible for such connections, around 2,000 remain uncovered.
Chandigarh, with a population of 1.26 million, currently consumes 386 million liters daily, equating to 245 liters per person per day (LPCD). Despite this, the daily consumption exceeds the estimated requirement, standing at 225 MLD or 150 LPCD, inclusive of 35% wastage.
In an incident during the inauguration event, where the sound system malfunctioned, Municipal Commissioner Anindita Mitra took swift action by suspending Executive Engineer Kuldeep Singh of the electrical department. Singh, responsible for fixing the system, failed to ensure its proper functioning, resulting in a delay. Mitra emphasized the importance of accountability, underscoring the need for adherence to protocols during such crucial events.
