Government committed to modern water supply and sanitation infrastructure
Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today inaugurated and laid foundation stones for three major projects of the Jal Shakti Department in Dalhousie constituency, amounting to ₹96.32 crore.
He formally inaugurated the Dalhousie Drinking Water Scheme (Improvement & Expansion) built at a cost of ₹67.60 crore, and the Dalhousie Drinking Water Scheme (Augmentation & Alha Water Storage Improvement) worth ₹25.70 crore. In addition, he laid the foundation stone for the Dalhousie Sewerage Scheme (Diversion & Obstruction Removal) estimated at ₹3 crore.
Addressing a public gathering at Paridhi Grih, Dalhousie, Agnihotri emphasized the state government’s commitment to developing a modern and robust drinking water and sanitation infrastructure. He noted that in the past three years, significant progress has been achieved in this sector.
Highlighting Dalhousie’s tourism potential, he said the city’s water availability has been doubled to meet future needs. The existing capacity of 40 lakh liters per day has now been expanded to 80 lakh liters per day, ensuring a total capacity of 120 lakh liters per day.
The projects include laying 220 km of water supply pipelines and constructing 26 storage tanks, along with advanced water treatment plants, pumping systems, and distribution networks. These will benefit residents of Dalhousie Municipal Council, the cantonment area, the Air Force station, and adjoining regions.
Agnihotri further informed that works worth ₹315 crore under the Jal Shakti Department are already in progress in Dalhousie constituency. The sewerage scheme is expected to be completed by 2027.
Responding to public demands, he assured the start of a Dalhousie–Pathankot Volvo bus service. Former minister Asha Kumari welcomed him and honored him with a shawl, cap, and memento. She also urged the Punjab government to expedite upgradation works on National Highway-154A, requested new buses for Chamba district, and stressed the need to fast-track forest clearance for the construction of Dalhousie bus stand.
Distinguished Attendees
The event was attended by social worker Bharti Nayyir, PCC General Secretary Amit Bharmauri, Bhalei Mata Committee President Kamal Thakur, former Zila Parishad Chairman Dharam Singh Pathania, District Congress Committee President Surjit Bharmauri, Block Congress Committee President Amit Sharma, SDM Anil Bhardwaj, Chief Engineer Jal Shakti (Northern Zone) Deepak Garg, Superintending Engineer Rajesh Mogra, and other dignitaries.
