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KalimNews, Kalimpong, March 2, 2025 : In a significant development for the hill town, the Kalimpong municipality has officially confirmed the launch of a new drinking water project aimed at addressing a longstanding issue faced by residents. The project, which will be executed under the central government’s Amrut 2.0 scheme (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), is expected to bring substantial relief to the community, with an estimated investment of ₹266 crore.
Local officials outlined the details of the ambitious project during a PowerPoint presentation to the town’s residents during a programme held on Thursday in Town Hall (Ram Krishna Rangamanch), Ravi Pradhan, Administrator of the Board of Administrators for Kalimpong Municipality, highlighted that the total project cost would amount to ₹265.97 crore. The presentation took place at the Town Hall and was attended by local MLA Ruden Sada Lepcha, officials from the state Municipal Engineering Directorate (MED), C R Burman Chief Engineer, A Pramanik, Suptd Emgineer, N Das, Executive Engineer, S Nag SE North, officials of NABARD, ADM, SDO Kalimpong, Sabhasads of GTA, Bikash Rai, Senora Namchu, Suman Gurung, C B Gurung, ADFO, Mamata Gurung, Sabhapati Kalimpong I GP, and representatives from the municipality and other officials.
According to the proposed plan, the central government will cover 50% of the total project cost, while the state will contribute 45%, leaving the remaining 5% to be funded by the municipal authority. The joint effort between the MED and the municipality is expected to ensure efficient implementation of the project.
Pradhan announced that the tender process for the project would begin in March, with an ambitious goal of completing the project within 24 months. The plan is designed to meet the town’s potable water needs for the next 30 to 40 years, and will also provide employment opportunities for local youth.
Kalimpong, established as a municipality in 1945, had a population of only about 4,000 at the time. Today, it has expanded to 23 wards with a population of approximately 80,000. Despite having a drinking water supply system in place for households and commercial areas, the current supply has proven insufficient to meet the growing demand. As a result, many residents are forced to purchase or arrange for water from alternative sources.
Bagdhara, a stream located in ward 12, remains the town’s primary water source, supplemented by other smaller streams. However, the current supply capacity is far from adequate. While the municipality requires around 7 million litres of water per day, it is only able to provide about 2 million litres. The new project is expected to significantly improve this situation and meet the water demands of the town for the foreseeable future.
Sources have confirmed that the project will be executed in phases. Key components of the plan include the installation of three new pumping stations at Bhalukhola, Lower Newar Gaon, and Mahakaldara, which will play a crucial role in augmenting the town’s water supply. During the programme an interactive session was also held .
