Guwahati, Assam – Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled the Lichubagan Distribution Reservoir, a vital part of the Guwahati Water Supply Project supported by JICA, bringing fresh drinking water to over 6,500 families in the city.
Phased Rollout to Benefit Thousands More
The project will be carried out in three phases, covering a total of 27 District Metering Areas (DMAs). In the first phase, seven DMAs will receive water supply, followed by 11 in the second phase, and an additional nine in the final phase. The first phase, initiated on Sunday, is expected to benefit over 6,500 families, with the second phase set to serve more than 7,500 families in November. The third phase, scheduled for December, will bring clean drinking water to over 5,600 families.
A Solution to a Long-Standing Issue
The reservoir’s inauguration marks a significant step in solving Guwahati’s persistent drinking water challenges. Chief Minister Sarma expressed his satisfaction at streamlining the city’s water supply system, which has been a long-standing issue. He anticipates that by the end of November, the reservoir will provide clean drinking water to more than 20,000 families, delivering 4.50 lakh liters of pure water daily. Additionally, an extensive 130 km water supply network has been established.
A Comprehensive Water Supply Project
The Guwahati Water Supply Project aims to connect around 14,000 to 15,000 families with water supply connections every three months. This extensive endeavor is slated for completion by April 2024, benefiting a substantial 1,40,000 families across the city.
Introducing the ‘Jal Sewa’ App
During the event, a mobile application named ‘Jal Sewa’ was introduced. This app will serve as a platform for monitoring and resolving public grievances concerning water supply. It offers real-time complaint monitoring and resolution.
Empowering Women through ‘Jal Sakhis’
As part of the water project, an initiative called ‘Jal Sakhis’ has been launched to promote women’s empowerment. These Jal Sakhis play a pivotal role in the process, conducting essential tasks such as monthly water meter readings, distributing bills, and collecting fees through Point of Sale (PoS) machines. They also serve as the initial point of contact for consumer grievance management.
Community Involvement Encouraged
Chief Minister Sarma encouraged the public to report any issues related to water pipe maintenance, emphasizing the importance of early detection to prevent incidents like pipe bursts.
This ambitious project aims to address Guwahati’s water supply challenges, ensuring clean and accessible water for a growing number of families and improving the city’s overall quality of life.