Rajasthan Government Unveils Comprehensive Strategy for Jaipur's Water Security
In a significant development addressing urban water challenges, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Minister Kanhaiya Lal Choudhary provided detailed assurances in the state assembly on Friday regarding Jaipur's drinking water supply. The minister emphasized that the government is implementing a meticulously planned, long-term approach to ensure uninterrupted water availability for both present and future requirements of the Pink City.
Addressing Legislative Concerns with Concrete Plans
The statement came in response to an attention motion raised by Malviya Nagar MLA Kalicharan Saraf, highlighting public concerns over water infrastructure. Minister Choudhary articulated a clear vision, stating, "The state government is executing projects in a structured, phased manner to guarantee reliable drinking water supply to Jaipur, with careful consideration of current demand projections and anticipated future needs." This declaration underscores a shift from reactive measures to proactive, sustainable planning.
Substantial Investment in the Bisalpur–Jaipur Project
Detailing the financial and technical scope of ongoing efforts, Choudhary informed the House about critical advancements under Stage-II Phase-1 of the Bisalpur–Jaipur Drinking Water Project. A major work order valued at Rs 173.16 crore was officially issued on March 12, 2020, marking a substantial commitment to infrastructure enhancement.
The comprehensive project encompasses several key components designed to boost capacity and reliability:
- Replacement of aging pumps at the existing intake pump house to improve efficiency.
- Construction of a brand-new, state-of-the-art 216 MLD (Million Liters per Day) water treatment plant at Surajpura.
- Establishment of two additional clear water reservoirs, each with a 30 MLD capacity, along with dedicated pump houses and essential ancillary works.
Technical Challenges and Independent Oversight
However, the minister candidly acknowledged a technical setback encountered during the trial phase. The newly constructed Surajpura water treatment plant was found to be operating below its full designed capacity. In response, the responsible contractor was promptly issued a formal notice and directed to undertake necessary rectifications to address the identified deficiencies.
Choudhary clarified that the project operates under a single-point responsibility contract, holding the contractor accountable for delivery. To ensure transparency and technical rigor, the PHED appointed the Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT) Jaipur as an independent expert agency. "Upon receiving the detailed technical assessment report from MNIT, all required corrective actions will be implemented systematically. Importantly, this process will not impose any additional financial burden on the state government," the minister assured the assembly.
Project Continuity and Future Timeline
Emphasizing ongoing progress, Choudhary confirmed that project activities are actively continuing. To facilitate uninterrupted work and ensure completion, the existing contract has been granted an interim extension, now valid until March 31, 2026. This extension provides a clear timeline for finalizing the enhancements and integrating them into Jaipur's water supply network.
The government's outlined strategy reflects a multi-faceted approach combining significant capital investment, independent technical validation, and strict contractual accountability to secure a sustainable water future for Jaipur's residents.
