RailEnquiry

Chandigarh: The Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh, Shivraj V Patil, sought consent from the neighbouring states for additional supply of 40 million gallon of raw water per day from Bhakra Main Canal, Kajauli, to Chandigarh.In the 26th meeting of Northern Zonal Council here today, Shivraj V Patil said a proposal for augmentation of water supply (Phase V and VI of Kajauli) was mooted by the UT Administration.The project was approved by the Union government under JNNURM for Rs 171 crore with the condition that the amount would be released after Punjab and Haryana give consent to the release of water from Bhakra Main Canal. Patil requested both the governments to give their consent adding that the UT, being the capital of the two states, deserves this share of water to meet the need of drinking water.Patil pointed out that the population of the city has increased that resulted in corresponding pressure on the water supply system. At present, the UT Administration is drawing 80 million gallon per day (MGD) of water from Bhakra Main Line at Kajauli. This is partly used at Mohali, Panchkula and Chandimandir cantonment. Chandigarh alone takes 67 MGD of water out of the 80 MGD. Another 20 MGD of water is available from the tubewells in the city. Chandigarh needs 29 MGD to meet it present requirement of 116 MGD of water.Patil suggested that Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana should collectively chalk out a detailed plan for the sustainable and integrated development of the region.For this purpose, there is a need to adopt certain uniform norms in respect of the areas of common concern like for transport, housing, distribution of water resources and other infrastructure. The height of buildings in area north of Capitol Complex and preservation of glory of Sukhna Lake are issues where there should be complete understanding amongst the three governments. Accordingly a mechanism is also required to put in place for the regional plan. The states should decide whether this regional planning should be undertaken under any legislation on the lines of NCR Planning Board or in the form of executive orders with full commitment of participating governments, he added.

On Metro Project, Shivraj Patil said that this project is going to benefit all the three towns-Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali-by providing faster connectivity.