Complaint alleges Chandigarh water reservoirs, storage tanks uncleaned for 4 years
A complaint has alleged that nearly 125 water boosters, reservoirs and tanks in Chandigarh have not been cleaned or repaired regularly for four years. The claims have raised concerns over drinking water quality and prompted calls for an independent inquiry.
Serious concerns have been raised over Chandigarh’s drinking water infrastructure after allegations that nearly 125 water boosters, underground reservoirs and storage tanks have not undergone regular cleaning, maintenance or repairs for the past four years, potentially affecting the quality of water supplied to residents.
The issue came to light after Dilip Bhardwaj, associated with the maintenance of water booster systems, submitted a complaint to the Chandigarh Mayor and Municipal Commissioner seeking immediate intervention.
In his complaint, Bhardwaj alleged that despite norms requiring water boosters, reservoirs and storage tanks to be cleaned, inspected and maintained every six months, many installations have remained neglected. He urged the Municipal Corporation to conduct technical inspections, carry out scientific cleaning and sanitisation, complete pending repairs, and have water samples tested by an independent laboratory with the results made public.
He also sought inclusion of the issue in the Municipal Corporation House meeting agenda on June 29 and demanded a permanent six-month maintenance schedule with records placed in the public domain.
Following the complaint, India Today visited water supply installations at PGI, Sector 12, Sector 37 and Mauli Jagran. At several sites, maintenance appeared inadequate, with water in some reservoirs looking dark and iron access covers found rusted, damaged or unsecured.
Bhardwaj, who accompanied the visit, claimed some reservoirs had not been cleaned for months and called for independent testing of water quality. He said he had been involved in cleaning water facilities as a government contractor for nearly 20 years, but no tender or contract had been floated for such work in recent years. He stressed that public health should remain the priority regardless of who receives the contract.
Under Chandigarh’s maintenance norms, all water boosters, reservoirs and storage tanks are required to undergo cleaning and maintenance every six months to ensure safe drinking water supply.
When contacted, officials from the Engineering and Water Supply Department offered varying responses. Amit Sharma said records would need to be checked to determine when the installations were last cleaned. Yogesh Aggarwal either did not respond or said the matter did not fall under his jurisdiction, while Chief Engineer Sanjay Arora could not be reached for comment. Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar also did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
Chandigarh Mayor Saurabh Joshi declined to comment on the allegations, saying he had not yet reviewed the complaint and that the Commissioner or Chief Engineer would respond on behalf of the administration.
The allegations have sparked concerns over the city’s drinking water management and prompted calls for an independent inquiry into the maintenance of Chandigarh’s water infrastructure.