In a bid to transform the State into a smart water utility hub, the government has embarked on an ambitious project aimed at overhauling the water infrastructure in the Nuvem constituency.
This initiative is part of a larger effort to modernise and streamline the State’s water supply system with advanced technology and infrastructure improvements.
As outlined in the last budget, the pilot project includes the implementation of advanced metering infrastructure, replacement of ageing water pipelines, and the creation of a Geographic Information System (GIS) network.
Additionally, the project involves geo-tagging water connections at the consumer level and adopting a smart water management system to ensure efficient distribution and usage.
Speaking about the progress of the project, the Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), Water Division, Vasuraj Karmalkar, confirmed that significant work is underway in Nuvem. “The work is in progress in Nuvem constituency. There are almost 10,000 connections in the area and each connection will be geo-tagged,” Karmalkar stated.
Statewide upgradation of water treatment plants
Beyond the Nuvem project, the government is also engaged in upgrading several water treatment plants across the State to enhance water quality and supply efficiency.
According to a senior PWD engineer, the upgradation of water treatment plants is an ongoing annual initiative, with work being carried out at various dams to ensure a steady and reliable supply of potable water.
Currently, major upgradation efforts are focused on water treatment plants at Selaulim, Assonora and Opa. Additionally, the nearly completed upgradation work at the Ganjem water treatment plant marks a significant milestone in the State’s water management efforts.
“Approximately 90 per cent of the work at the Ganjem water treatment plant is nearly complete,” the senior engineer stated, adding that these improvements will strengthen the State’s water supply infrastructure.
Model housing project at Altinho remains stalled
While the government has made strides in upgrading water infrastructure, a key housing project proposed in the last budget has failed to take off.
The plan to construct a model housing complex at Altinho remains in limbo, with no tangible progress made towards its execution.
The model housing complex was envisioned as a multi-storeyed building featuring 20 “B” and 20 “C” type government quarters, integrated with modern amenities such as solar power, recycled water systems, rainwater harvesting and dedicated parking facilities.
An allocation of Rs 20 crore had been earmarked for this project. However, a PWD official confirmed that there is currently no concrete proposal under review for the model housing project. “There is no concrete proposal with us on the model housing project,” the official stated, indicating that the ambitious plan remains stalled due to unspecified reasons.
