Udaipur, December 2 (Udaipur Kiran): In a major boost to Udaipur’s future drinking water security, the long-pending Devas Phase-III and Devas Phase-IV water supply projects have received Stage-1 approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi. This historic development is being attributed to the sustained efforts, personal interest and strong advocacy at the central level by Punjab Governor Gulabchand Kataria.

Governor Kataria made Udaipur’s water crisis a priority at both the state and national levels and closely monitored the progress of the projects. Through continuous dialogue with Union ministers and senior officials, he helped accelerate the long-pending forest clearance process. The approval has been granted in a comparatively short time due to his effective intervention.

According to Manoj Jain, Superintending Engineer, Water Resources Department, Udaipur, under the Devas Phase-III project, a dam of 703 MCFT capacity will be constructed near Nathiathal village in Gogunda tehsil. Water will be brought from here to Devas Phase-II (Akodda Dam) through a 10.50-km long tunnel and then routed to Pichola Lake through the existing system. Under the Devas Phase-IV project, a dam of 390 MCFT capacity will be built near Amba village and connected to Devas Phase-III through a 4.15-km long tunnel.

After the completion of both projects, Udaipur city will receive uninterrupted drinking water supply for several decades. These projects will also help maintain the water levels of Pichola, Fatehsagar and Swaroopsagar lakes on a permanent basis. This will strengthen environmental balance and give a new boost to tourism and the local economy.

Expressing satisfaction over the Stage-1 clearance, Governor Gulabchand Kataria said that Udaipur’s lakes are not just water sources but part of the city’s cultural heritage. These projects will provide a permanent solution to the drinking water problem and preserve the historic dignity of the lakes. He also thanked the central government and concerned officials for their cooperation.

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