Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], March 21 (ANI): With an intention to enhance consuming water and sanitation providers in 5 cities of the State, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of Rs. 817.12 crore challenge with the State Government with the French growth company Agence Francaise de Development (AFD).
The MoU was signed within the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri by the Secretary Jal Shakti Vibhag Amitabh Awasthi on behalf of the State Government and nation Director AFD Bruno Bosle on behalf of French Development Agency.
The goal of the challenge is to develop higher sewerage amenities in 5 cities of the state viz. Manali, Bilaspur, Palampur, Nahan, and Karsog and to enhance consuming water provide in Manali and Palampur cities.
“Under the project, Rs. 612 crores would be provided by AFD, whereas the State Government would provide Rs. 204.85 crores, said the Chief Minister. The beneficiaries of the project would receive house service connections in these five cities and the sewerage treatment plant would be designed with cutting-edge technologies so that the effluent could be reused for agricultural and industrial purposes,” he stated.
“The project aims to improve the environmental condition of water sources, reduce water-borne diseases, manage quality sanitation facilities in accordance with local regulations and international best practices, and bring financial sustainability to the drinking water and sanitation sector,” he added.
Out of Rs. 425.85 crores within the first part, Rs. 340 crores could be financed by AFD and within the second part AFD would offer Rs. 272 crores out of a complete challenge price of Rs. 371 crores, stated Sh. Sukhu. The implementation interval of the challenge was three years and Phase II will start 18 months after the graduation of Phase-I, he added.
“The State Government is committed to providing the best sanitation facilities and quality drinking water to the people of the State and this project would go a long way in achieving this goal,” stated the Chief Minister.
CPS, Sunder Singh Thakur, MLAs, Ashish Butail, Ajay Solanki, Bhuvneshwar Gaur, and representatives from AFD, Ankit Tulsian, and Akshita Sharma have been current amongst others on the event. (ANI)