Archive · 31 Jan 2026
Darjeeling Drinking Water Project Delayed Five Years
A big project to improve drinking water in Darjeeling has been delayed by five years.
The project, which started in 2018 and was supposed to be finished by 2021, is now expected to be done by the end of 2023.
The delays were caused by problems getting permissions and difficulties with the terrain and tourism.
The project includes building new water tanks and connecting pipes to homes.
Even though the first part of the project is not yet finished, the government has approved more money for a second phase.
Some people are worried that the second phase might also face delays.
A ₹204.8 crore drinking water project in Darjeeling is delayed by five years, with the original 2021 deadline missed.
The project aims to revamp the water distribution system in the Darjeeling municipality, which was set up by the British.
Delays were caused by obtaining clearances from various departments and challenges with terrain and tourism.
Of the 23 feeder tanks, 22 have been completed, and pipes have been connected to 11,000 households.
The Centre has sanctioned another ₹298.60 crore under AMRUT 2.0 for further drinking water supply works and a new reservoir.
- Who
- Darjeeling municipality and the Union ministry of urban development
- What
- A multi-crore drinking water project under the AMRUT scheme
- When
- Started in August 2018, with a deadline of 2021, now expected to be completed by December 2023
- Where
- Darjeeling municipality, West Bengal, India
- Why
- To revamp the water distribution system and address the drinking water crisis
- Project Cost
- ₹204.8 crore
- Project Start Date
- August 2018
- Original Deadline
- 2021
- Current Completion Target
- December 2023
- Feeder Tanks Completed
- 22 out of 23
- Households Connected
- 11,000
- AMRUT 2.0 Funding
- ₹298.60 crore
- Population Considered
- 1,20,414 (2011)