PHED Minister Reviews Ongoing Upgrade of Greater Lunglei Water Supply Scheme

PHED Minister Prof. Lalnilawma Inspects Lunglei Town Water Intake at Pialthleng and Tlawng River; Reviews GLWSS Upgradation Works

Lunglei, December 2025: Mizoram Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Minister Prof. Lalnilawma today visited the Lunglei town water intake points at Pialthleng and the Tlawng River to inspect the ongoing upgradation of the Greater Lunglei Water Supply Scheme (GLWSS), being implemented under AMRUT 2.0 and SASCI to ensure improved and reliable water supply for Lunglei town.

The Minister was accompanied by Lunglei Municipal Council (LMC) Vice Chairman Pu K. Lalrinawma, Executive Councillor Pi Lalhruaitluangi Sailo, government officials, political representatives, members of the Lunglei District Consumer Association (LDCA), and MJA Lunglei District members. Led by PHED Superintending Engineer Er. Lalsanga, PHED officials and the contractor briefed the Minister on the project plan, ongoing works, challenges, and requirements.

During the visit, detailed discussions were held on the progress of the GLWSS upgradation and future work schedules. Representatives of LDCA and MJA expressed hope that the gravity dam construction on the Tlawng River—key to ending Lunglei’s longstanding water shortages—would be completed on time by 2026. They urged the department and contractors to work efficiently, ensure timely supply of materials, and maintain adequate manpower to prevent delays. SE Er. Lalsanga also highlighted progress, challenges, and the coordinated efforts of the department.

LMC Vice Chairman Pu K. Lalrinawma appreciated the cooperation between PHED and LMC councillors in tackling Lunglei’s water scarcity and assured continued support.

Minister Prof. Lalnilawma said the ongoing GLWSS upgradation is crucial for providing clean and sufficient water to the people of Lunglei. He urged both the department and the contractors to work with commitment and avoid delays. He also highlighted upcoming expansion plans under various schemes to further strengthen Lunglei’s water supply, expressing gratitude to LDCA and MJA for their support. He stated that the Tlawng River gravity dam is expected to become operational by March 2026.

The Greater Lunglei Water Supply Scheme, commissioned in 1995, is now 30 years old. The upgradation works underway aim to meet the needs of the projected 2054 population of 1,11,827. The project, sanctioned under SASCI 2024–2025 at a cost of ₹55.7 crore, includes major improvements such as main pipeline upgradation, water treatment plant construction, pump house and electrical systems installation, and distribution network strengthening. About 44% of the work has been completed, with water production expected to increase from the current 3.5 MLD to 5.5 MLD, and later up to 9 MLD.

Under AMRUT 2.0, an additional ₹9.98 crore is being invested for source improvement and distribution expansion. Key components include new tanks, upgraded pipelines, and the construction of a major gravity concrete impounding dam on the Tlawng River—expected to hold 240 lakh litres. The project agreement was signed on February 27, 2024, and despite initial delays in material supply, steady progress has been made, with around 35% of the dam foundation work completed so far.