Pipeline Project to Address Sewage and Sanitation Underway – PHE Minister Prof. Lalnilawma

Aizawl, Aug 2025 – PHE Minister Prof. Lalnilawma yesterday inspected the ongoing works under the “AMRUT-2.0” scheme, which include laying a pipeline to carry wastewater from septic tanks for treatment, aimed at improving sanitation and hygiene.

The Minister visited the worksite at Dawrpui, where pipeline-laying along the Bazar Bungkawn–Vaivakawn road is currently underway. He stated that the Government is determined to complete the project successfully, stressing its great importance, and urged the contractor to ensure timely completion. The Minister explained that delays had occurred earlier due to traffic congestion in the city and because the area has many underground utility lines. However, with modern trenchless technology, the work can now progress steadily, which will ultimately ease congestion and benefit residents. He expressed gratitude to local councils and citizens for their cooperation, acknowledging their support for community welfare.

Prof. Lalnilawma also highlighted the challenges faced in Aizawl due to numerous households having poorly constructed or no soak pits, leading to frequent septic tank leakages. Such leaks often contaminate groundwater, causing health hazards. Hence, he said, this project is vital to ensure proper sewage treatment and protect public health.

The project, titled “Sewerage & Septage Treatment Works for Zone-7, Aizawl City Small Bore Sewer, Tuikual Lui (AMRUT 2.0)”, has a sanctioned cost of Rs. 37.76 crore. The executing contractor is Ace Alliance Pvt. Ltd., Guwahati, Assam. Work began on August 5, 2024, and is scheduled for completion by August 5, 2026 (two years). Post-completion, the contractor will provide maintenance for another two years, until August 2028. The total pipeline length planned is 31.41 km, of which 3.6 km has already been completed. Work hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

The pipeline will cover 10 localities along Tuikual Lui—Dawrpui, Chawnpui, Tuikual North, Tuikual South, Dinthar, Dawrpui Vengthar, Vaivakawn, Kanan, Khatla, and Zarkawt. This will help channel sewage safely and ensure hygienic waste management, preventing overflow or leakage from septic tanks. The collected sewage will be treated at the government’s Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at MINECO. After treatment, the water can be reused for agriculture and other purposes.

The STP will have a daily capacity of 3.5 million litres, while a Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) with capacity to process 30,000 litres/day from septic tanks will also be installed at the same site.

The Minister was accompanied by PHED Secretary Pi Teresy Vanlalhruaii, senior officials of PHED, and leaders of the Dawrpui Local Council during the inspection.