Gurgaon: With the city’s water demand expected to double by 2041 and several parts of the city reeling from water crises during summer, Union minister Rao Inderjit Singh, at a review of major infrastructure projects, asked officials to prepare a water management plan for future, keeping projected population growth till 2051 in mind.Officials said a survey conducted by IIT Roorkee is being used to assess future demand and plan resources, considering the city’s current estimated population of around 40 lakh.At present, the city gets 400 million litres per day (MLD) of water from Chandu Budhera water treatment plant and 270 MLD water from Basai treatment plant. According to GMDA, the city’s projected peak demand for water supply will be around 750 MLD this year. The projected population growth of 66.2 lakh by 2041, the city requirement of water will double to 1408.9 MLD.The meeting also included a detailed review of the Palwal-Sohna-Manesar-Sonipat orbital rail corridor, Old Gurugram Metro Project, Delhi-Bawal RRTS Corridor, Greater SPR Road, Elevated SPR Road from Khedki Daula to Vatika Chowk and from Vatika Chowk to Ghata Chowk, construction of new National Highways, underground pipeline project from NCR water channel, STP construction in private builder societies and rainwater drainage plans.The Union minister sought the current status of these projects, pending obstacles and stipulated timelines of all projects. He directed officials to accelerate work, establish better inter-departmental coordination and complete these public interest projects within the set timeframe.On the progress of the metro project, officials informed that approximately 8% of the Gurugram Metro project has been completed and the target for completing the corridor from Millennium City Centre to Sector-9 has been set for Aug 2028. “The process of private land acquisition is still underway at certain locations,” said an official. Singh directed that all pending land acquisition matters be resolved promptly to accelerate project work and ensure adherence to the stipulated timeline.During the review of the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) project, officials said construction work from NH-48 to Vatika Chowk is likely to commence in Oct, while the design of Vatika Chowk is in its final stage. They have set a target to complete the project within 30 months of commencement of construction.He said that Gurgaon is a rapidly developing city and all infrastructure projects should be completed on a priority basis, keeping in mind future requirements. He said that no unnecessary delay will be accepted in projects that will strengthen the traffic system, drinking water availability, drainage, and public transport system.While reviewing other agenda items, the Union minister directed officials of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board to ensure regular monitoring of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) installed in private residential societies. He said that the STP located at Manesar should also be regularly inspected and strict action as per rules should be taken against institutions violating environmental standards. “The monitoring system needs to be made more effective for environmental protection and conservation of water resources,” said Singh.
