Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Chief Minister Mohan Yadav laid the foundation stone of a large-scale water supply project, costing Rs 800 crore, in Indore on Wednesday. The event was organised at the Lata Mangeshkar Auditorium. Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya and Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav were also present on the occasion.
The water project has been launched under AMRUT 2.0 Indore Water Supply Scheme, Package-1. Its objective is to provide a modern, robust and comprehensive solution to provide clean drinking water to the city's growing population.
He reiterated the government’s resolve under the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure clean drinking water reaches every village and city. “With the guidance of Modi and full support of the state government, Indore is moving forward towards self-reliance,” the CM said, assuring that the government stands firmly with the city.
Water resources minister Tulsiram Silawat said the vision of a developed India under Prime Minister Modi is being actively implemented in Madhya Pradesh under Yadav’s leadership.
Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava thanked the Chief Minister for prioritising Indore’s future water needs and expanding the original Rs 1,100-crore plan to nearly Rs 2,400 crore with long-term vision. He said the project includes 10 years of operation and maintenance (O&M), ensuring uninterrupted, safe, and quality water supply for decades. Once completed, the project will effectively meet both present and future drinking water demands of the city.
He outlined key features of the project, including a 1,650 MLD capacity intake well at Jalud and Bhiklay villages, construction of 2,235 mm diameter raw and clear water pumping mains, establishment of 11 kV, 33 kV, and 132 kV power substations for uninterrupted electricity supply, a 400 MLD modern water treatment plant, and a 12 MLD break pressure tank to regulate water pressure.
Urban administration and housing minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, recalling the historic public movement to bring Narmada water to Indore, said the project was not merely a scheme but the outcome of the city’s collective resolve and people’s power. “Without Narmada water, Indore would not be what it is today,” he said. Praising Indore’s cleanliness, he credited citizens and sanitation workers as the real strength behind the city’s achievements. “Indore was number one, is number one, and will remain number one,” he asserted.
Intake wells, water treatment plants & more
Under this project, a new 1,650 MLD capacity intake well will be constructed in the Jalud and Bhakalai villages. Raw water and clear water pumping mains of 2235 mm diameter will be laid to increase water transportation capacity.
A state-of-the-art water treatment plant with a capacity of 400 MLD will be set up to ensure water quality matches with the highest standards. Similarly, a 12 MLD capacity break pressure tank will also be built to regulate water pressure and improve the efficiency of the distribution system.
23 dead, 200+ hospitalised and 1000+ infected
The initiative comes barely a week after 23 people died due to drinking contaminated water in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore. The tragedy left 1000+ people infected, while 200+ were admitted to the hospital for treatment between December 31 and January 12. The victims ranged from a 6-month-old baby to 75-year-old elders.
Investigation revealed that a leakage in the water pipeline caused the sewage water to mix with the drinking supply.
MP Govt announces Rs 2 lakh aide
The Indore water tragedy gained national headlines, with many questioning its '7-time top Swachh status'. Opposition Congress, too, staged protests across the city and slammed the administration for failing to provide even clean drinking water to the public. The state government announced Rs 2 lakh compensation to the kin of the deceased and promised to provide free-of-cost medical treatment to those infected.
