The Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) aims to join hands with the French firm Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) on August 20 in order for constant water supply across the city. Prior to that, the AFD is expected to sign another agreement with the Ministry of Finance on August 10 to provide funding to the MC.
The AFD intends to lend Rs 413 crore to the project over 15 years, with a six-year moratorium. Furthermore, the European Union (EU) is contributing Rs 98 crore to the project. Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL) will begin the tendering process following the signing of the agreement, which should be completed by the end of the year. The work on the project is predicted to start out early next year.
For the Rs 590 crore, CSCL and the municipal corporation will also launch a major public awareness campaign on the day of signing the agreement to include resident groups, welfare associations, and other stakeholders.
AFD officials, European Union representatives, government officials, and political leaders will be invited, according to NP Sharma, MC chief engineer and chief executive officer of CSCL.
On August 20, a city-wide outreach programme involving various citizen groups, resident welfare associations, and other stakeholders will be held. Presentations, video documentaries and interactive sessions are being scheduled to raise awareness of the project and alleviate concerns.
According to Sharma, the project aims to improve the quality of supply in terms of water pressure while also providing a 24x7 water supply. The entire water network will be modernised, with energy-efficient devices and increased capacity. will be drastically reduced.
