French agency funds ₹135-crore sewerage project for Palampur

Palampur is set for a major infrastructure boost with the launch of a Rs 135.40 crore sewerage project funded by the French agency “Agence Française de Développement” (AFD). The Irrigation and Public Health Department has awarded the tender for the installation of sewerage lines in five municipal wards of the Palampur MC.

Local MLA Ashish Butail informed The Tribune that wards Lohana, Ghuggar Tanda, Aima, Suggar, Ghuggar Khirloo and Bindravan will receive new sewerage lines. In addition, existing sewerage lines in wards 2 and 3 will be re-laid as the old systems are no longer effective. He called this the largest development initiative sanctioned for Palampur by the current Congress government.

Besides the sewerage upgrade, the town’s water supply system will also be modernized. This includes the installation of advanced filtration and purification systems to ensure safe and clean drinking water for residents.

The Palampur Municipal Corporation comprises 15 wards, serving a population of around 5 lakh. Butail stated that about half the town, especially densely populated areas, will be covered under the current phase of the sewerage plan. The remaining wards are proposed to be included in the second phase.

Looking ahead, the state government plans to prepare a comprehensive master plan for Palampur’s development, with a focus on promoting it as a green and clean tourist destination, centered around its identity as a tea town. Inputs will be invited from local NGOs, retired engineers, and bureaucrats.

Butail criticised the previous BJP government for upgrading the municipal council to a corporation without a proper development roadmap. He assured residents of regular monitoring and sufficient funding for all ongoing and upcoming projects. Palampur

Himachal Tribune