In a ray of hope for the residents of Nawada district, Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges) is slated to be supplied as drinking water to Nawada city by October this year.
Nawada, Bihar: Under the ambitious ‘Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali’ initiative, nearly 65% of the Gangajal supply project has already been completed for Nawada city, showcasing a significant step towards ensuring clean and accessible drinking water for its residents.
The initiative was undertaken in response to the recurring decline in the groundwater levels in the district. The ‘Gangajal Supply Scheme’ was conceived to counter this issue, providing Gangajal as potable water to the region. The project, which began four years ago, has included four cities in its scope: Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Nawada. The total cost of the project in 2019 was estimated at approximately ₹2,836 crores.
Currently, the scheme has successfully started supplying Gangajal as drinking water in Gaya, Bodh Gaya, and Rajgir. The work is ongoing in Nawada and is expected to be completed soon. However, due to technical reasons, the cost of the project has increased to ₹4,515 crores over the past four years.
The revised budget for the project has already been approved. In Nawada city, construction related to water supply is progressing well under the plan, with nearly 65% of the work completed. Anticipations are high that by October this year, the city will also have a steady supply of Gangajal, a development that promises to address the long-standing water scarcity issues in the region.
This initiative not only aims to alleviate water woes but also signifies the reverence attached to the holy Ganges River in the lives of millions, turning it into a lifeline for the residents of Nawada.