World Bank team in HP to oversee water supply in Shimla

A World Bank team today held discussions with Himachal Pradesh Irrigation and Public Health Minister Vidya Stokes and senior officials of the department regarding the funding of Rs 643 crore 'Shimla Water Supply and Sewerage Scheme'.
The meeting was a follow up of the proposal submitted by the state government regarding the project, envisaging lifting of water from Kol Dam on river Sutlej to cater to the requirements of the town up to 2048.
Stokes said in response to the proposal the World Bank has deputed a six-member team of water supply specialists to Shimla which is currently on an identification mission to identify the technical, environmental, social, institutional and financial issues related to the project.

She said the team has so far visited the Kol Dam site at Sunni, 55 Km from here, and inspected the water distribution system in the town.
The team will also explore the technical requirements of the designs to provide 24x7 water supplies in Shimla, she added.
They are also organising meetings and discussions with various stakeholders of the project and will hold detailed inspections and discussions with the engineers associated with the scheme, she said.
Stokes said the team has agreed to the proposal and the government would redraft the detailed project report (DPR) as per the World Bank guidelines.

The World Bank would also provide the required technical and financial assistance through its experts and specialists, she added.