Balasan Water Project begins

Darjeeling, july 23: After 17 months and 4 days of inauguration by the chief minister of Bengal at Chowrasta, Balasan Water Project finally begins today with the estimated cost of Rs. 49 crore and 67 lakh, of which Rs 10 crore has already been sanctioned by the Planning Commission. The Balasan water project was proposed in 1995 with the estimated cost of Rs 33 crore.

Former DGHC councilor, Mr. N.B. Pradhan today officially launched the Balasan Water Supply Pumping Scheme at Rangmuk Cedar tea garden here, 24km from Darjeeling town. Initially 8 km approached road to the Balasan will be maintain and broaden for the transport facilities of construction equipments.

The tender for the project was held three months back, which was awarded to Ramky Infrastructure Ltd of Hyderabad. This will pump water from the Balason River to Tiger Hill, in the two stages, the company will also set up a water treatment plant at Jorebunglow, the project will be completed by 2 years as per Ramky Infrastructure ltd.

The government will acquire about 2 Acres of public land for this project, which will compensate as per rules and regulation of the Darjeeling Planters Association.

It is expected 70 liters of water for every one, in Darjeeling including tourists, after the completion of this project. The project has provision for another lake at Sinchel with the capacity of 70 lakh gallon of water.