LOP Jai Ram Thakur flags irregularities in World Bank–Funded Shimla Water Project
Image used for indicative purpose only. Courtesy Internet
Shimla, Dec 1,
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has alleged major financial irregularities in the World Bank–funded Shimla drinking water and sewerage project, cautioning that such discrepancies could harm India’s credibility with international development institutions. In a statement issued in Shimla, Thakur questioned why the project’s implementing agency has not received the full amount sanctioned by the World Bank, despite the funds having been transferred to the state government. He claimed that although the World Bank allocated Rs 587 crore for the project, only about Rs 250 crore has reached the executing agency so far, creating a financial crisis that threatens to delay its completion.
Calling the situation “deeply worrying,” Thakur said the apparent withholding or diversion of such a significant sum raises concerns about transparency and accountability. “When more than Rs 250 crore from government funds do not reach their destination, who is responsible? Where has the money sent by the World Bank gone?” he asked. Thakur further alleged that the current government is obstructing a project initiated during his tenure, designed to provide 24×7 drinking water supply to Shimla.
The Sutlej Drinking Water Project, with a total outlay of Rs 1,825 crore, aims to deliver round-the-clock water supply and universal sewerage connectivity to the state capital. Of the sanctioned amount, around Rs 370 crore was allocated for lifting water from the Sutlej River in the first phase, while Rs 970 crore was meant for laying new pipelines and constructing storage infrastructure. An additional Rs 229 crore was set aside for upgrading Shimla’s sewerage network. Thakur warned that delays or misuse of World Bank–funded resources could jeopardise vital urban development and undermine India’s reputation as a reliable partner for international financial agencies. The state government has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.
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