Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Faz Lul Haseeb, today conducted a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing Development of Allied Infrastructure for the 3 MGD Rapid Sand Filtration Plant (RSFP) at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP), Nishat, and reviewed the progress of the project aimed at enhancing the city’s potable water supply infrastructure.
During the inspection, the Commissioner was briefed by officers of the Water Works Division on the scope and progress of the project, which is being executed at an approved cost of ₹406.00 lakh under the Sustainable Infrastructure Fund (SMC CapEx).
The Water Treatment Plant, Nishat, commissioned in 1895, is Srinagar’s most vital water supply facility, presently serving nearly 6.38 lakh population across major residential, commercial, institutional, administrative and tourism areas. The plant currently has an installed treatment capacity of 19 Million Gallons per Day (MGD) through five Rapid Sand Filtration Plants commissioned between 1935 and 2000.
Given the rapid urban expansion and increasing water demand across the city, the Commissioner observed that augmentation of the plant’s treatment capacity has become essential to bridge the existing supply gap and ensure reliable drinking water services for the growing population.
The project includes the commissioning of a 3 MGD Rapid Sand Filtration Plant, laying and restructuring of supply and trunk mains, strengthening of treated water conveyance systems, upgradation of electro-mechanical equipment, and construction of allied infrastructure, including protection walls and sluice chambers.
Upon completion, the project will enhance the treatment capacity of WTP Nishat from 19 MGD to 22 MGD, marking the first major capacity augmentation of the facility in 26 years. The upgraded infrastructure will significantly improve potable water supply to the existing command areas of Nishat, Brein, Boulevard, Gupkar, Sonwar, Shivpora, Lal Chowk, Karan Nagar, Babarshah, Munawarabad, Khayam, Khanyar, Rainawari, Saidakadal, Dal habitations, Mir Behri, Dal Bund and other adjoining localities.
Besides augmenting water supply to the existing 6.38 lakh population, the project will bring nearly one lakh additional population under the ambit of safe and reliable potable water supply with improved service levels. The Commissioner emphasized that the project will substantially strengthen Srinagar’s water supply network by improving both the reliability and efficiency of drinking water services.
He directed the executing agency to maintain the highest standards of quality and workmanship while ensuring timely completion of all components of the project within the stipulated timeframe. The Commissioner reiterated that strengthening essential urban infrastructure remains a key priority of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation.
He stated that the Corporation is committed to developing resilient and sustainable public utility systems capable of meeting the city’s growing needs and ensuring uninterrupted access to safe drinking water for residents, institutions, tourist destinations, government establishments, security installations, and other critical service areas. Senior officers of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and the Water Works Division accompanied the Commissioner during the inspection.