Bengaluru: Arunachal Pradesh now boasts of having the country’s first solar-based Integrated Multi-Village Water Supply Project (IMVWSP). 

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat dedicated it to the nation.

The project encompasses 39 villages in Lower Dibang Valley district in northeastern Arunachal Pradesh and was commissioned at a cost of Rs 28.50 crore.

The minister who inaugurated it, said, "The project is as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for utilisation of multiple resources." 
He added that such model should be replicated in the other parts of the country.

Chief Minister Khandu informed that the project is designed to provide drinking water to 17,480 people and has been conceived as an integrated project with an element of drinking water, green energy and tourism component in it.

It is interesting to note that the project is first of kind using green energy-solar grid, SCADA automation system, pre-fabricated zinc alum storage tank and HDPE conduit for mains, sub-mains and distribution networking system, and also amusement park including swimming pool, amphi-theatre, fountains, and sit outs.

It is needless to say the project will also attract tourism. 
"The project envisages promotion of tourism in the area which would enhance the living standard of the people and thus help in boosting rural economy," Khandu said.

The Chief Minister appreciated the initiative by the local community to make the project sustainable whereby the Village Water and Sanitation Committee through gram sabha decided to raise minimum water tariff.

"Also, in order to ensure sustainability of the water project park, local villagers have agreed to share responsibility in management of the assets in the park," an official release said.

The Chief Minister during the event launched the "Arunachal Jal Sankalp", a state government dedicated flagship programme to supplement the Jal Jeevan Mission and to sustain the drinking water systems.