Srinagar: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner Faz Lul Haseeb on Monday reviewed the progress of the ongoing capacity augmentation project at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP), Nishat, and directed officials to ensure timely completion of the works.
During an inspection of the facility, the Commissioner was briefed by officials of the Water Works Division on the project, which is being executed at an approved cost of Rs 4.06 crore under the Sustainable Infrastructure Fund (SMC CapEx).
Officials said the project involves the development of allied infrastructure for a new 3 Million Gallons per Day (MGD) Rapid Sand Filtration Plant (RSFP), along with laying and restructuring of supply and trunk mains, strengthening of treated water conveyance systems, upgradation of electro-mechanical equipment, and construction of protection walls and sluice chambers.
Commissioned in 1895, the Nishat Water Treatment Plant is Srinagar’s oldest and one of its largest water supply facilities, currently serving an estimated 6.38 lakh people across residential, commercial, institutional, administrative and tourist areas. It presently has a treatment capacity of 19 MGD through five rapid sand filtration plants commissioned between 1935 and 2000.
With the completion of the project, the plant’s treatment capacity will increase from 19 MGD to 22 MGD, marking its first major capacity expansion in 26 years.
The upgraded infrastructure is expected to improve potable water supply to Nishat, Brein, Boulevard, Gupkar, Sonwar, Shivpora, Lal Chowk, Karan Nagar, Babarshah, Munawarabad, Khayam, Khanyar, Rainawari, Saidakadal, Dal habitations, Mir Behri, Dal Bund and adjoining areas. Officials said the project will also extend reliable drinking water supply to nearly one lakh additional residents.
Reviewing the works, the Commissioner directed the executing agency to maintain quality standards and complete all components of the project within the stipulated timeframe. He said strengthening essential urban infrastructure and ensuring reliable access to safe drinking water remain key priorities of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation.
Senior officers of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and the Water Works Division accompanied the Commissioner during the inspection.
