Shillong:
The work for the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS) Phase III is in progress despite initial difficulties.
Official sources told The Meghalayan that new pipes were laid but there had to be some shifting since the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) was working on the national highway project.
“Once pipes are shifted, the interconnections must be handled cautiously. It is also technical. There were landowners who objected initially but now the work is in progress with the support of the government and the presence of police personnel who are deputed at the site,” the official said.
It may be mentioned that the water supply in the city was recently affected for three days with the PHE department issuing a shutdown notice for 72 hours.
The department issued a notice and informed that on account of the stringing of 220 KV DC Killing-Mawngap-New Shillong transmission line at Mawphlang by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, the dedicated 33KV sub-station for Greater Shillong Water Supply at Mawphlang will be affected.
The official said, “We have to give them permission and hence there was a shutdown. That was for three days. We have a dedicated service station for the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme.”
Speaking on the bursting of pipes, the official said that the pipelines were very old and had been there since 1978-79.
The official said, “These are very old pipelines and when releasing the water, we have to be careful and adjust the pressure, if there is a sudden release, the pipes will burst.”
On the bursting of the pipe at 3 ½ mile, Upper Shillong, the official gave a pat on the back of the PHE staff for working tirelessly to resolve the issue.