France to fund Jodhpur's water supply project
France will pump in Rs 740 crore as loan for a project which aims to revamp Jodhpur's water supply system, so that its residents get a 24-hour supply.
A memorandum of understanding was signed in Delhi on Thursday in the presence of officials from the Centre and Rajasthan government, and French ambassador Francois Richier. The money will come from French Devolpment agency (AFD).
A sum of Rs 550 crore would be spent in the first phase of the Reorganised Jodhpur Water Supply Project.
The French agency would provide a loan of Rs 440 crore for this. In principle, approval has also been given for the Rs 190 crore second phase of the project.
Under the project, water would flow along a long stretch with gravity and high-tech pumping stations would help in saving electricity.
Regular water supply would reach the areas of Mandor, Mahamandir and Pavta which face a drinking water problem. Settlements being developed on Nagaur Road, Jaipur Road and Pali Road would also get regular water supply.
The project aims to upgrade the present system for meeting Jodhpur's water demand up to the year 2029.
Old inefficient machinery and leaking pipelines will be replaced. Sixty six kilometres of new water pipelines would be laid and 40 kilometres of old lines changed..
The plan includes setting up two new pumping stations, constructing three clean water resovoirs - two with a capacity of 80 lakh litres each – and two filter plants with a capacity of nine crore and six crore litres. Gravity pipelines will be laid over 30 kilometres and a new reservoir will come up at Surpura Dam.
