The UT Administration appears to be stepping back from its earlier promise of providing round-the-clock water supply in Chandigarh. Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has said uninterrupted 24-hour water supply is "not presently workable" in the city.
Kataria made the statement while addressing a meeting of the Federation of Sector Welfare Associations of Chandigarh (FOSWAC). He said the immediate priority would be to ensure adequate water pressure during specified supply hours and that no household faced a shortage.
Chandigarh 24×7 water supply plan faces reality check
The city had earlier launched a 24×7 pilot water supply project under the Smart City initiative in Manimajra. The project was launched with the objective of providing round-the-clock water to city residents in a phased manner.
However, the ground reality appears different. Manimajra residents continue to face intermittent water supply, which raises questions about the feasibility of the larger plan for the entire city.
What the Administrator's statement means for residents
The shift in stance is significant. Instead of promising round-the-clock supply, the administration is now focusing on a more modest goal — ensuring that water comes at adequate pressure during the fixed hours when supply is available.
The assurance that no household should face a shortage is the key takeaway for residents. But the change in language from "24×7 supply" to "adequate pressure during specified hours" marks a clear departure from the original promise made under the Smart City initiative.
Our Take: A practical retreat or a broken promise?
To put it plainly, this is a case of the administration managing expectations. The 24×7 water supply project was sold as a phased upgrade to city infrastructure. Now, the Administrator is publicly stating that it is not workable at present.
In our view, residents deserve more clarity. If the pilot in Manimajra has not delivered round-the-clock supply, the administration should explain what went wrong and what the revised timeline is. Saying the goal is "not presently workable" without a clear path forward leaves citizens in the dark.
The focus on ensuring no household faces a shortage during fixed hours is welcome. But the administration must be transparent about whether the 24×7 project is delayed, redesigned, or abandoned altogether. Residents of Chandigarh deserve straight answers, not vague assurances.
