Guwahati: A relief in sight for the residents of Guwahati.
The state government has taken a transformative project towards providing safe, clean, and readily accessible drinking water in Guwahati. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has introduced the Lichubagan Distribution Zone (LDZ), to serve 20,000 households in the city.
The reservoir at the heart of this endeavor boasts a remarkable daily distribution capacity of 4.5 lakh litre, marking the commencement of a three-phase project, with the first phase ceremonially launched on Sunday, October 15, 2023. The LDZ heralds a watershed moment within the JICA Assisted South Central Guwahati Water Supply Project, an initiative that underscores the government's commitment to securing a future where clean and safe drinking water is an inalienable right for all of Guwahati's residents.
The extensive distribution network spans 130 kilometers, ensuring the efficient delivery of water from the Lichubagan reservoir.
Furthermore, the comprehensive plan for the phased commissioning of the Lichubagan & Ramsa hill Reservoir Zone has been finalized, which will encompass 13 DMAs, benefiting a total of 10,903 households in various areas, Hengrabari, Swarajnagar, SBI Colony, Dilip Huzuri Path, Rupkonwar Colony, Zakir Hussain Road, Krishna Nagar, Kali Mandir Path, Shiv Mandir Path, Nizarapur Area, Koilashpur Area, Indrapur Area, Mahesh Pur Area, Kanchan Nagar Area, Silpukhuri, Nabagraha, Lamb Road, Happy Villa, Uzanbazar, Panbazar, etc. CM stated.
In this initial phase, seven District Metering Areas (DMAs) have been established, catering to the potable water needs of 6,500 households within the Distribution Zone.
The Guwahati Water Supply project embarked on its journey with a successful trial run, leading to a partial commissioning on December 21, 2022. With the intake plant and water treatment plant at Kharghuli, the project has been able to supply water to residents in 14 DMAs resulting in 6000 metered connections provided to consumers across different categories, serving 15,200 households in numerous areas, including Amiya Nagar, Chandmari, Zoo Road, Gandhi Basti, Sarania, Part of Ulubari, Bora-Service, Geetanagar, Ambikagiri Nagar, Tarun Nagar, Nabin Nagar, Shree Nagar, Christian Basti, Walford, etc., CM Sarma said.
Sarma said that, once the second phase of the Lichubagan & Ramsa hill Reservoir Zone is completed, 16 DMAs, covering 14,928 households, will have access to potable drinking water. Looking ahead, the North Guwahati project is scheduled to be commissioned in February 2024, encompassing 15 DMAs.
In Phase 4, the commissioning of the Narkasur & Geetanagar Reservoir is set for March 2024, benefiting 23,422 households across 35 DMAs. The Sonaighuli Reservoir Zone will follow in Phase 5, covering 23 DMAs and providing for 28,865 households.
Sarma also revealed the ambitious plans for the South-West Guwahati Water Supply project, which, upon completion, will cater to the needs of 55,000 households. Larsen & Toubro Ltd. has been entrusted with the responsibility of completing the remaining work of this extensive project, with expectations of its conclusion in the first part of 2025.
The ongoing water supply projects promise to be a game-changer, alleviating the longstanding water scarcity issues faced by many in the city.
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