Says new 970-metre gravity main pipeline of 450 mm diameter to be laid
Munish sood
Mandi:
Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Friday inspected the main pipeline of the Uhl river based drinking water supply scheme near Sakor village, which caters to Mandi town.
Agnihotri directed the Jal Shakti Department to ensure a permanent and technically sound solution for stabilising the pipeline to guarantee uninterrupted water supply to residents.
He said that the 28-km-long pipeline supplying water from the Uhl river has suffered damage at multiple points due to recent landslides. A technical team from IIT-Mandi was engaged to inspect the vulnerable stretches and based on its recommendations, realignment work of the pipeline is now underway.
Agnihotri informed that to bypass the landslide-prone zone, a new 970-metre gravity main pipeline of 450 mm diameter will be laid. This will ensure consistent water supply, reduce recurring repair costs and strengthen the overall system.
Officials of the Jal Shakti Department briefed the Deputy CM that heavy landslides near Sakor village during the monsoon had repeatedly damaged the main line. Around 300 metres of hillside and a portion of the road have also been impacted, making pipeline stability extremely challenging. They said the proposed 450-mm bypass line would resolve these issues.
The Uhl scheme supplies 16 MLD of water daily from Riyagadi to Mandi town. The Deputy CM emphasised that a permanent, durable solution must be implemented as the scheme is crucial for ensuring drinking water for more than 50,000 residents of Mandi. He directed officials to maintain uninterrupted supply throughout the year.
Chief Engineer Upendra Vaidya presented detailed information about the proposed realignment work. Former Milk Federation Chairman Chet Ram Thakur and senior officials of the Jal Shakti Department were also present.
