West Bengal Minister of State for Labour and Public Health Engineering Bhaskar Bhattacharya has proposed major policy changes for timely execution of drinking water projects in the state. During his two-day visit to Malda, the minister inspected multiple ongoing projects under the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department. At a review meeting with PHE officials and district administration representatives, he directed officials to complete 79 ongoing projects by September, with priority given to schemes that have achieved around 70 percent physical progress. The Minister also visited project sites to assess implementation and interacted with officials and contractors to identify reasons behind delays. He pointed out that some projects faced technical and administrative challenges, while others suffered due to substandard execution. The proposed policy measures aim to improve monitoring, enhance accountability and ensure faster completion of water supply projects, helping provide reliable drinking water infrastructure to communities across West Bengal.

The Rajasthan government has prepared an Rs 80,000 crore action plan to strengthen drinking water infrastructure across the state, focusing on expanding and improving rural water supply systems. Chief Secretary V Srinivas reviewed the progress of ongoing drinking water projects and directed officials to finalise the financing and implementation framework for priority schemes. The meeting was attended by officials from the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Finance Department, and Panchayati Raj Department, who discussed project execution, funding requirements, manpower availability, and long-term operation and maintenance strategies. The government plans to launch the Jal Arpan Programme to transfer completed drinking water schemes to local communities for effective management. In the first phase, more than 1,200 completed projects will be handed over with support from Panchayati Raj Institutions. To strengthen project monitoring and execution, Rajasthan will accelerate recruitment of junior engineers and create 3,000 Junior Technical Assistant posts in the Rajasthan Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Corporation. Village Water and Sanitation Committees, along with Sujalam Shakti Groups and Nal Jal Mitras, will support water distribution, maintenance, and quality testing, improving rural water security across Rajasthan.

Along with the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, Adani Navbharat Developers (ANDPL) will undertake the rejuvenation of the Mithi River and develop a 3.3-km waterfront promenade extending from the Matunga culvert. Officials said that a 15-mtrs.-wide Green Spine' dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists will link the riverfront area with Dharavi's Central Park. The planned riverside development project in Mumbai will feature cafes, and viewing decks creating a public recreational zone while enhancing the overall urban environment. Officials added, The riverfront will be lined with native trees and pollution-absorbing vegetation. Permeable paving and bioswales have also been planned to improve stormwater management, increase groundwater recharge and support the long-term health of the river ecosystem. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) will undertake a large-scale tree plantation drive across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) as part of its environmental compensation plan. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has granted permission for cutting 1,693 trees in Dharavi, with around half expected to be transplanted.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) standing committee has approved a Rs 2,241 crore proposal to construct a 7.20-km underwater tunnel. The tunnel is a crucial part of the 200 million litres per day (MLD) Manori desalination project, wherein it will connect the upcoming Manori desalination plant with Mumbai's water distribution network in Kandivali. aimed at increasing the city's water supply capacity. It will transport desalinated water from the proposed pumping station at Manori to Charkop and Mahavir Nagar in Kandivali after the plant becomes operational. The facility has been planned with future expansion capability up to 400 MLD. Approved by the Maharashtra government on 03 July, 2026, the project includes design, construction, operation and maintenance of the underwater tunnel. The project is expected to play a key role in strengthening Mumbai's long-term water security.

The Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) General Body has approved a series of infrastructure, water supply, sanitation, and public welfare projects aimed at improving civic amenities across the city. The meeting, chaired by Mayor Nitin Patil, cleared funding for new water pumps, phased capital support for the Shilar Dam project,. The civic body also approved submitting a proposal under the World Bank-assisted Maharashtra Urban Water Supply, Sewerage Management and Reuse Project (MEWREP) to enhance Panvel's water supply from the Dehrang Dam. In addition, members sanctioned the development of parks, gardens, and multiple stormwater drainage projects to strengthen urban infrastructure. The approvals reflect PMC's focus on improving water infrastructure, drainage, sanitation, and public amenities while exercising caution on long-term financial commitments.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to expedite rehabilitation, afforestation, and construction activities to ensure timely completion of the project. The project, coming up in the Western Ghats, is estimated to cost Rs 3,065 crore. Approximately 844 hectares of land will be affected, including 186 hectares of private land and 658 hectares of forest land, while the submergence area will cover 805 hectares. Several statutory approvals have already been obtained, including clearances from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), the National Committee on Seismic Design Standards, and the relevant authorities for project design and environmental approvals. Approval from the National Board for Wildlife is currently under process. During the review meeting, the Chief Minister also reviewed the proposed Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) Township project. He directed officials to immediately approve the development plans for villages within the NAINA area, rectify errors in land records, and expedite the distribution of property cards to eligible villagers.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to award a Rs 2,241 crore contract to Afcons Infrastructure for constructing a vital water tunnel that will connect the proposed 200 million litres per day (MLD) Manori desalination plant with the water distribution network in Kandivali. The 7.175-km tunnel will extend from Manori in Malad to Charkop Municipal Garden and further to Mahavir Nagar in Kandivali, featuring a diameter of 2.5 metres. Both the tunnel and its pumping station have been designed with an ultimate capacity of 400 MLD, while the first operational phase will handle 200 MLD through appropriately sized mechanical and electrical systems. The desalination plant is expected to be completed within 48 months, with the associated tunnel scheduled for completion in 45 months to enable seamless integration into the existing water supply network. Once operational, the project will improve Mumbai's water resilience, reduce dependence on conventional freshwater sources, and support sustainable urban development through advanced desalination and water distribution infrastructure.

Patel Engineering has announced the successful breakthrough of India's longest 12-km irrigation tunnel being constructed as part of the Rs 1,600 crore Sleemanabad Carrier Canal project in Madhya Pradesh. The breakthrough marks the point where tunnel excavation teams working from opposite ends successfully met after overcoming significant geological and hydrological challenges during construction. The tunnel stretches from Sleemanabad in Tahuli village to Khirani village and forms a key component of the Bargi Diversion Project being developed by the Narmada Valley Development Authority. Once completed, the canal project is expected to provide irrigation benefits to nearly 2,45,000 hectares of agricultural land across Madhya Pradesh. The project will supply around 284 million litres of domestic and industrial water every day to the cities of Jabalpur and Katni, improving regional water security. Patel Engineering said the project involved navigating one of the most complex geological environments encountered in India's irrigation infrastructure sector, highlighting the engineering expertise required for execution. The milestone represents a major achievement in the country's water infrastructure development and is expected to contribute to improved water resource management in the region.

VA Tech WABAG has secured a 'Large' domestic order (?250600 crore) from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for two energy-efficient wastewater treatment facilities in Bengaluru. The project includes two 100 MLD Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) at Byramangala and Bellandur, along with a 25 MLD Tertiary Treatment Plant (TTP) at Byramangala. The contract covers design, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPC), followed by a 7-year operations & maintenance (O&M) period. The STPs will incorporate biogas-based captive power generation, while the TTP will use ultrafiltration technology to enable high-quality treated water reuse.

The fifth 100 MLD unit at the Chandu Budhera Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Gurugram is scheduled to begin trial operations next week. The new unit will increase the plant's total treatment capacity from 400 MLD to 500 MLD and is expected to improve water supply to Sectors 81 to 115. The Rs 52.50 crore expansion project commenced in March 2024 and was scheduled for completion by April 2026. However, commissioning was delayed due to the pending electricity connection. With the power connection now in place, pre-commissioning tests of machinery and equipment are currently underway. Meanwhile, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is planning a further capacity expansion at the facility. The tender for the sixth 100 MLD unit is currently under technical evaluation. In addition, the Haryana Government has approved Rs 149 crore for the construction of a third 100 MLD water treatment plant at Basai, which is expected to be completed by early 2029.