Meghalaya revises New Shillong water project cost to Rs 772.96 crore after dam site shift
By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Meghalaya government has revised the estimated cost of the New Shillong Township Water Supply Scheme to Rs 772.96 crore from the earlier sanctioned Rs 538.44 crore, citing major design modifications and infrastructure changes linked to environmental and technical considerations.
According to an official clarification note, the revised estimate marks an increase of 43.55 per cent, amounting to an additional Rs 234.52 crore. The project is aimed at supplying potable water to New Shillong Township, Mawkhanu Knowledge City and 32 surrounding villages, with coverage planned up to 2057.
Officials said one of the key reasons for the cost escalation was the shifting of the dam location after it was found that a landfill site had also been proposed near the originally identified site at Nonghali village. The dam was subsequently moved further upstream to avoid environmental risks.
This relocation has led to significant changes in the engineering design, including an increase in dam span from 70 metres to 165 metres and a rise in radial gates from one to three, along with corresponding structural modifications.
The revision also accounts for additional earthwork required for jackwell slope stabilisation, following the relocation of the jackwell due to the upstream shift. Officials said the altered terrain now necessitates extensive excavation, soil stabilisation and related works.
Another factor contributing to the revised estimate is compensation to be paid to local Dorbar Shnongs for laying raw water pipelines through customary land. Officials noted that no such demand had been anticipated during the initial DPR stage, but compensation requirements have since emerged.
The revised proposal further includes provision for a dedicated power supply system, which was not part of the original detailed project report. Officials said an independent power infrastructure has now become essential to ensure uninterrupted water supply.
Additional expenditure has also been attributed to road restoration works, including dismantling and excavation of around 1.5 km of PWD road due to changes in pipeline alignment near Jaroit and Diengpasoh villages.
The government said the revised estimate is necessary to ensure environmental safety by avoiding landfill proximity, maintain structural and hydraulic stability, secure community cooperation through fair compensation, and guarantee reliable water supply infrastructure for the proposed township and adjoining areas.