Central Government Takes Note of Water Pollution in Indore, Approves Four Water Supply Projects

The Central Government has taken cognizance of the recent water pollution incident in Bagirathpura, Indore, and is providing financial and technical assistance to states under schemes such as AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0. The government has identified old pipelines in the area and included them under AMRUT 2.0. Tenders for four water supply project packages in Indore have already been issued.

Government Assistance and Pipeline Upgradation
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu informed the Rajya Sabha that the government is assisting states through AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 schemes following the outbreak in Bagirathpura, where several deaths due to diarrhea and vomiting have been reported since December. The pipelines in the area date back to 1997, and some are damaged. Consequently, the municipal administration has identified the old sections for inclusion in AMRUT 2.0.

Four Water Supply Project Packages for Indore
The Indore Municipal Corporation has issued tenders for four water supply project packages under AMRUT 2.0. Implementation of Package-1 has already begun, while the remaining three packages are in the approval stage. The project aims to cover the entire water supply chain, including comprehensive renovation, augmentation, and modernization of the existing system.

Efforts to Ensure Safe Drinking Water
Minister Sahu emphasized that water is a state subject, and the Central Government provides support to state efforts through advisory guidance and infrastructure funding. So far, the state government has identified 14,181 leakages, of which 12,634 have been repaired. Out of 3,298 overhead tanks, 3,109 have been cleaned.

Of 80,976 water samples tested, 656 were found contaminated, and corrective action has been taken at 588 identified pollution points, the Minister added.