What is the news?

 

• • The Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL) will revamp the city’s 150-year-old water supply scheme before the monsoon.

 

Upgrading Shimla’s Water Supply:

 

• • SJPNL, Shimla’s government water and sewerage agency, is modernizing the city’s water supply infrastructure. This renovation comes before the monsoon season to increase Shimla inhabitants’ water delivery efficiency and reliability.

 

Reasons to Upgrade:

 

• • Aging Infrastructure: The current water supply scheme in Shimla is over 150 years old. This means the pipes and other components are likely nearing the end of their lifespan and may be prone to leaks and breakdowns.

• • Improved Efficiency: A modernized system could potentially reduce water loss and improve overall water management within the city.

• • Better Reliability: Upgrading the system could lead to a more reliable water supply, reducing disruptions and ensuring consistent water pressure for residents.

 

Project timeline:

 

• • SJPNL hopes to finish the water supply scheme makeover before the monsoon this year. This timetable indicates the urgency of the project and the need for a more robust system before monsoon water flow strains the infrastructure.

 

Possible Benefits:

 

• • Modernizing a system may reduce water loss from leaks and inefficiency.

• • Improved Water Quality: Upgrading pipes and treatment facilities may enhance households’ drinking water.

• • Improved Reliability: Residents would have cleaner water and fewer disruptions with a more stable water supply.

 

The Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited’s initiative to modernize the city’s water delivery infrastructure is a good step toward a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable supply.

 

Shimla’s Water Supply Scheme History:

 

Long Journey: Shimla’s Water Supply Scheme’s History

 

Shimla’s water supply system has a 150-year history. A look into its development:

 

• • Before the 1870s: Shimla relied on a network of natural springs and baolis (stepwells) across the town. Some springs were perennial, but others dried up during dry years, causing water scarcity.
• • Modern System Birth (1875): The British administration, which had established Shimla as a summer capital, built the first formal water delivery plan in 1875 to address the system’s inadequacies. This first plan presumably used streams and limited infrastructure for collection, treatment, and distribution.
• • Continuous Improvement (1889–present): The first plan wasn’t enough. The system was upgraded multiple times in the late 19th and early 20th century. These included finding new water sources, creating reservoirs, and installing pumping stations to overcome height.
• • Engineering Legacy: News reports say the previous water supply infrastructure was designed on excellent engineering principles. Choosing water sources, building weirs and holding tanks, and managing trees were vital [Source: The Tribune India]. This focus on sustainability shows engineers’ forethought.

 

Challenges and Prospects:

 

• • The 150-year-old scheme’s decrepit infrastructure is limited despite its historical significance. Leaks, malfunctions, and population growth have taxed the system. A more stable and sustainable water supply for Shimla is the goal of SJPNL’s renovation project.

 

SJPNL’s collaboration with INTACH: Why?

 

• • Recognizing the historical significance of the Shimla water supply scheme is a commendable approach by the SJPNL. Partnering with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) adds a valuable dimension to the project.

 

Here’s how INTACH’s involvement can benefit the rejuvenation process:

 

• • Expertise in Heritage Preservation: INTACH has a proven track record in conserving historical structures and infrastructure. Their expertise can ensure that the modernization efforts respect the original design and materials used in the water supply scheme.
• • Documentation and Recording: INTACH can play a crucial role in documenting the existing scheme before the renovation begins. This could involve creating detailed plans, photographs, and historical accounts to preserve the scheme’s legacy for future generations.
• • Sustainable Techniques: INTACH may recommend sustainable restoration techniques that balance modernization with the preservation of historical elements. This could involve using compatible materials and minimizing intrusive modifications.

 

Overall, SJPNL’s collaboration with INTACH demonstrates a commitment to balancing progress with heritage preservation. This collaborative approach can ensure that Shimla’s water supply system continues to function efficiently while retaining its historical significance.

 

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QuizTime:

 

Mains Questions:

 

Model Answer:

 

Upgrading Shimla’s 150-year-old water supply scheme presents a unique challenge: balancing modernization with historical preservation. Here are some key considerations:

• • Technical Challenges: Integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure can be complex. New pipes and treatment facilities need to be compatible with the original layout and materials.

• • Preserving Heritage: Maintaining the historical character of the scheme is important. Careful planning is required to ensure renovations respect the original design and materials used.

• • Minimizing Disruption: Construction activities can disrupt water supply and damage historical elements. Careful phasing and planning are crucial to minimize these impacts.

 

Positive Steps: The collaboration between SJPNL and INTACH is a positive step. INTACH’s expertise in heritage conservation can ensure:

 

• • Documentation: Recording existing structures through detailed plans, photographs, and historical accounts.

• • Sustainable Techniques: Recommending restoration methods that balance modernization with preservation using compatible materials and minimizing intrusive modifications.

 

 

Model Answer:

 

Sustainable water management is crucial for Indian cities like Shimla facing water scarcity. Here are some key strategies:

 

• • Leakage Detection and Repair: A significant portion of water is lost through leaks in aging infrastructure. Prioritizing leak detection and repair can significantly improve water efficiency.

• • Rainwater Harvesting: Encouraging rainwater harvesting in residential and commercial buildings can create a reliable source of water for non-potable purposes.

• • Wastewater Treatment and Reuse: Treating wastewater for reuse in irrigation or other non-potable applications can reduce reliance on freshwater sources.

• • Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens about water conservation practices like rainwater harvesting, fixing leaky taps, and using water-efficient appliances can significantly reduce overall demand.

 

Shimla Specific Considerations: Additionally, for Shimla:

 

• • Protecting Catchment Areas: Preserving the forests surrounding Shimla’s water sources is vital for maintaining water flow and quality.
  • Demand Management: Strategies like tiered pricing structures that incentivize water conservation can be explored.
  • By implementing these strategies, Indian cities like Shimla can move towards a more sustainable future with secure water supplies.

 

Remember, these are just two examples of Himachal HPAS Mains questions inspired by the current news. Feel free to modify and adapt them further to fit your specific needs and writing style. Good luck with your preparation!