Uttarakhand CM requests Rs 17.74 bn for Dehradun's Song Dam water project

The chief minister expressed his desire for the removal of the ceiling imposed on the extent of loans that could be obtained by the state in externally aided projects due to the state's special circumstances. It was proposed that the Song Drinking Water Project be constructed on the Song River, a tributary of the river Ganga, situated near the boundary of the Dehradun and Tehri Garhwal districts. The project aimed to build a reinforced cement dam that would be 130 metres high, creating a lake spanning approximately 4 km in length, covering an area of 69 hectares. According to the chief minister, the drinking water project would supply Dehradun with drinking water at an estimated cost of Rs 20.21 billion. Dhami mentioned that the project would provide 150 million litres per day (MLD) of water to a population of one million in Dehradun city and its outskirts. He stated that once the project was completed, the reliance on tube wells for the drinking water system would significantly decrease. Additionally, the project's construction would lead to the creation of a lake measuring about 3.50 km long, promoting tourism in the region. This would result in job creation and increased income for local residents. Furthermore, Dhami emphasized that the project would aid in flood control, safeguarding approximately 15,000 individuals residing in ten villages of Dehradun district from Song river floods. The chief minister confirmed that all necessary technical, forest land, and other approvals required for the project had been obtained from the relevant departments. He added that the state government would bear an expenditure of Rs 2.47 billion for the rehabilitation and resettlement of families affected by the project. Also read: Kerala Water Authority to Expand Water Supply Network in Muvattupuzha Minister unveils Rs 350 million twin sewage projects in Rajkot