Vigilance launches probe into 24×7 water supply project in Manimajra
The Vigilance Department has launched a probe into 24×7 water supply pilot project in Manimajra after city BJP president Jatinder Pal Malhotra wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging corruption in the execution of works.
The Vigilance inquiry officer, in a letter written to the Municipal Corporation (MC), said a regular inquiry has been registered on a complaint of Malhotra.
For the probe, the inquiry officer has sought certified copies of complete noting file in respect of the project, certified copies of all tender documents and details of hierarchy of the officials/officers who executed the tender.
Sources said the Vigilance has also prepared the list of the officers who will be called to provide information regarding the project, for which Rs 75 crore had been allocated under the Smart City Mission.
The project had been inaugurated by Shah in August 2024. In his letter to the Union minister, Malhotra alleged that corrupt officers were “ruining” the dream of Viksit Bharat.
The leader said the project has collapsed and nobody has been held accountable for the wastage of Rs 75 crore, adding, “On one hand taxes are being imposed on the public and on the other, Rs 75 crore has been wasted. Certainly, there is policy lapse or lack of accountability in the system of the UT administration.”
“Media reports regarding the project are causing grave damage to our reputation in the public at large and it is not in tune with our visionary Prime Minister’s dream of Viksit Bharat: 2047. It is requested to intervene in the matter and call for a detailed inquiry report in the same,” he further wrote.
Residents of Manimajra said they have been receiving muddy and dirty water supply since the project’s launching.
They said the pilot project was launched without replacing the old pipelines. The pipelines, they alleged, were not able to bear the pressure of water and started leaking, thus resulting in contaminated supply.
When contacted, Malhotra said it was his responsibility to raise the public issues, adding, “We are all working to fulfil the dream of the Prime Minister for Viksit Bharat 2047.”
MC fails to provide complete records
Vigilance Department sources said the MC has failed to provide complete documents of the project and certain files are missing. The MC officials have told the Vigilance that initially, the project was started by Chandigarh Smart City Limited. The company handed over the documents after it was closed down. They have supplied whatever the documents were given to them, claimed the officials. The Vigilance had started the scrutiny of the files.
Timeline
August 4, 2024: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates the 24×7 water supply in Manimajra
October 1, 2024: Residents start complaining about muddy water supply
December 13, 2024: Awareness drive on the pilot project organised by the Municipal Corporation in Manimajra
April 7, 2025: Chandigarh BJP president Jatinder Pal Malhotra writes to Union Home Minister alleging corruption in the project and later, the Vigilance starts an inquiry.
July 4, 2025: Vigilance Department asks MC to provide the records of the project
Project Outline
On August 4, 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the pilot project for 24×7 water supply in Manimajra. The MC had at time claimed that over one lakh households would get round-the-clock supply.
The project cost Rs 160 crore, comprising Rs 75 crore on capital and Rs 85 crore for 15 years of maintenance. It was started by a Smart City company which is no longer in existence.
It intended to upgrade existing water supply infrastructure by retrofitting existing as well as setting up of proposed facilities for 24X7 pressurised water supply.
Two 2-MGD underground water reservoirs were constructed by Chandigarh Smart City Limited. Besides, 13,700 meters were replaced with ultrasonic smart water meters.
Chandigarh