Jalandhar:
The laying of a drinking water pipeline under the Surface Water Project in Model Town has come to a complete halt for the last 15 days. The key reason behind the delay is the unavailability of essential materials like couplings and sealants, which are necessary for the installation.
The situation has worsened due to the monsoon season. Rainfall has created muddy conditions on the main roads, causing inconvenience for pedestrians. Meanwhile, the pipes that were brought for the project are lying scattered on the roads, posing a safety hazard.
Pipeline Route Changed, Equipment Delayed from Gujarat
According to officials, the pipeline route has been changed, which now requires different coupling alignments suitable for the new layout. These parts are being sourced from Gujarat and are expected to arrive within a week. Only after the arrival of these components can the work resume.
Project Already Past Deadline
The original deadline for the completion of the project was September 2023. However, the agency in charge has requested an extension till 31 December 2025, which will require approval from Chandigarh authorities.
Traffic and Safety Concerns Continue
Local councillor Harsharan Kaur Happy has already raised complaints with the Mayor regarding the halted work. She criticized the agency for damaging the roads during pipeline installation and failing to speed up the work despite repeated instructions.
The ongoing project has caused major traffic disruptions in residential areas, leading to daily inconvenience for locals. The stalled work and poor management have only added to the frustration of the residents.
What Officials Say
SDO Sandeep Sharma stated that the required material is expected to arrive next week. Once received, the pipeline work will resume without further delay.
