Mohali: Residents of Kharar will have to wait longer for canal water, with the Punjab govt informing the Vidhan Sabha that even the first phase of the long-delayed Kajauli water works project is unlikely to be completed before Dec 31, 2026.The govt said although the Rs 117.04crore project was approved to supply 35.53 MGD of canal water to the fast-growing town, only 5 MGD, around 15% of the sanctioned capacity, is expected to become operational by the end of next year.The disclosure came during the assembly session after MLA Anmol Gagan Maan raised the issue of delays in implementing the project, conceived as a long-term solution to Kharar’s drinking water crisis.The MLA said only work worth about Rs 27 crore had progressed despite funds being sanctioned, while residents continued to depend on tube wells amid rapid urbanisation and rising water demand. She sought accountability for the delay and urged the govt to ensure time-bound completion.Responding to the issue, cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains said the original project envisaged a 33.6MLD water treatment plant and about 35km of transmission pipeline. However, after Gmada agreed to supply 5MGD of treated water from its existing plant, a revised Rs 27crore project comprising an 8km pipeline and three underground service reservoirs was taken up.Bains said around 85% of the first-phase work had been completed and the project was expected to be finished by Dec 31, 2026, enabling Kharar to start receiving 5 MGD of treated canal water.He attributed the delay to right-of-way issues involving the pumping station and transmission pipeline, adding that the matter had been reviewed with Gmada, the water supply and sanitation department and NHAI.The govt’s reply underscores the slow progress of a project projected as a permanent answer to Kharar’s water needs, with residents continuing to rely heavily on depleting groundwater sources.PROJECT VS PROGRESSProject cost: Rs 117.04 croreSanctioned supply: 35.53 MGDLikely supply by Dec 2026: 5 MGDFirst-phase work completed: 85%Reason for delay: Right-of-way hurdlesResidents still dependent on: Tube wells and groundwater
