In a significant project that will cater to the State capital’s water needs in the future, Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to boost its water supply capacity from 514 MLD to 562 MLD under ‘Amrut 2.0’ project. Current daily water supply in Bhopal is 440 MLD. Estimated budget for this project is decided as Rs 379 crore that will help to web the water supply system in the city. BMC officials said that, Model Code of Conduct had put the project on hold and they are not finalising the company to work on contract basis. A private company from Ahmedabad (Gujarat) technically and financially qualifies to grab the contract but it would be finalised only after the Lok Sabha elections. BMC had earlier come up with the project to develop water distribution system and repairing the current supply in October 2023. BMC has called offers from private companies four to five times but nothing could be settled yet. At present, assessment of the technical aspect of project is continued and after that financial offer will be given to the applicant companies.

 

BMC Public Relation Officer (PRO) Prem Shankar Shukla said, “A private company has accepted terms and conditions of the project but nothing can be finalised amid Model Code of Conduct. The project will be presented before Mayor-in-Council for final approval after the code of conduct is removed.” He further informed that Mayor-in-Council will be giving final approval to the contract. If company seeks the budget more than the proposed budget of BMC, project will be forwarded to the Government. Officials said that 17% of the amount will be bear up by the BMC. ‘Amrut 2.0’ aims to supply water in over one lakh houses through water taps and this includes 50,000 personal homes and bulk connection in 450 colonies.