Himachal Pradesh News
Rs 1 Crore Water Tank in Solan Remains Unused Two Months After Inauguration, Residents Continue to Face Water Shortage
A water storage tank worth nearly Rs 1 crore, inaugurated with high expectations to solve Solan city’s recurring water crisis, remains unused even after more than two months. The reason behind the delay is the absence of a connection between the newly built tank and the city’s main water distribution network.
A water storage tank worth nearly Rs 1 crore, inaugurated with high expectations to solve Solan city’s recurring water crisis, remains unused even after more than two months. The reason behind the delay is the absence of a connection between the newly built tank and the city’s main water distribution network.
The 11.35-lakh-litre capacity tank was inaugurated on April 11 by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Dhani Ram Shandil, who had stated that the additional storage facility would provide relief to residents suffering from frequent water shortages.
However, the project has yet to deliver any benefits to the public. Despite the significant investment made through a Central Government grant, the tank has not become operational, raising questions about project planning and execution.
BJP Raises Questions Over Timing of Inauguration
The opposition BJP has criticised the delay and alleged that the tank was inaugurated before the Municipal Corporation elections without ensuring that it was ready for public use.
Solan BJP city president Shailendra Gupta alleged that the project was showcased before completion and questioned the utilisation of public funds. He also claimed that the Jal Shakti Department had failed to provide a long-term solution to the city’s ongoing water supply problems.
Jal Shakti Department Explains Delay
Responding to the criticism, Sanjeev Soni, Superintending Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, Solan, clarified that the tank was constructed as a deposit work of the Municipal Corporation using funds received under a Central Government grant.
According to him, the city currently faces a shortage of available water, especially during peak summer months. The existing three storage reservoirs, which together have a capacity of more than 1.72 crore litres, are themselves not being filled completely due to limited water availability.
He stated that even if the new tank had been connected, it would not have been possible to fill it during the summer season. However, he assured that the department is working on connecting the tank to the existing distribution system while new pipelines are also being laid across the city.
Old Reservoirs Continue to Create Problems
The new storage tank was built as a replacement for older reservoirs that have been facing serious leakage issues for years. The city’s major reservoirs located near Jawahar Park and Tank Road were constructed decades ago, before advanced waterproofing technologies became common.
Over time, cracks have developed in the concrete structures, causing continuous water leakage and significant water loss. Residents living near these reservoirs have been directly affected.
At Jawahar Park, leakage has created a permanent water pool, which local residents often use whenever regular water supply gets disrupted. The situation near Tank Road is considered more concerning, as seepage from the reservoir poses a potential risk to houses situated below it.
Last year, the Municipal Corporation carried out repair work, including the installation of geotextile lining, in an attempt to control the leakage. However, the long-term solution now depends on timely completion of the new water infrastructure and proper connectivity of the newly constructed tank.
