World Bank sanctions $40 million loan for Shimla’s water supply

To help bring clean and reliable drinking water to the citizens of the Greater Shimla area, the Government of India, Government of Himachal Pradesh (GoHP) and the World Bank have signed a $40 Million Loan Agreement.

The agreement was signed by Sameer Kumar Khare, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Government of India and  Junaid Kamal Ahmad, Country Director, World Bank India, on behalf of the World Bank.

Project Agreement was signed by Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department, on behalf of the GoHP and Junaid Kamal Ahmad, Country Director, World Bank India, on behalf of the World Bank.

Shimla’s water supply infrastructure with a capacity of 40 million litres daily (MLD) is unable to meet the current demand of 56 MLD. AWith at least 30-40% of the city’s population of around 2 lakh not covered by the sewerage system, sanitation has also emerged as a public health issue in Shimla.

The agreement will help in bringing pressurized (24×7) water supply, efficient sewage collection and treatment for all households in the Greater Shimla Area.

The $40 Million Loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a 4-year grace period and a maturity of 15.5 years.