Pallav Gopal Jha’s vision paves the way for Guwahati’s water system

Guwahati: In a recent conversation with Business North East, Pallav Gopal Jha, the Managing Director of the Guwahati Metropolitan Drinking Water and Sewerage Board, shed light on the significant strides being made to improve Guwahati's drinking water system. The city has long struggled with inconsistent and inadequate water supply, a challenge worsened by its rapid urban growth. However, recent efforts are focused on transforming this situation through a comprehensive water purification project.

The purification process begins with pumping water from the Brahmaputra River to a pre-settling tank, where larger sediments are allowed to settle. This is followed by aeration, where air is introduced to the water to remove any remaining silt and settle out microorganisms. The water then undergoes filtration to remove smaller particles and is chlorinated to ensure it is safe for consumption. After this thorough process, the water is stored in a clear water reservoir and tested at each stage to ensure its quality.

The project, which has been supported by a long-term loan agreement with JICA, has a total cost of approximately ₹1,427 crore, with around ₹1,180 crore funded by the loan. As of now, the physical progress of the project is at 88%, with financial progress at 78%. Key infrastructure includes the Kharguli and North Guwahati pumping stations and an extensive network of reservoirs and pipelines. Despite facing challenges such as contractor issues and incomplete work, recent interventions, particularly by the Chief Minister, have revitalized the project. The aim is to complete it by the end of this year.

To support low-income households, several initiatives have been introduced, including free water connections for government schools and hospitals, subsidized connections for Guwahati Municipal Corporation connections, and planned subsidies for households with ration cards.

Looking ahead, the long-term vision involves expanding coverage to all areas of Guwahati, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable water supply. This ambitious plan aims to provide reliable and clean drinking water to all residents as the city continues to grow and develop.