Why in News?
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced the state’s first ozone-based drinking water treatment project in Dehra, Kangra district.
Key Highlights
- Location: Dehra, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh
- First of its kind: First ozone-based drinking water treatment project in Himachal Pradesh
- Investment: ₹46 crore
- Purpose: Disinfection of drinking water and improvement of taste
- Technology: Ozone-based water treatment
- Future plan: The project will be expanded to other areas of the state
What is Ozone-Based Water Treatment?
- Ozone (O₃) is a powerful oxidising agent that can be used to disinfect water.
- In ozone-based treatment, ozone is introduced into water to destroy or inactivate microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.
- Unlike conventional chlorine-based disinfection, ozone generally does not leave a persistent chemical taste or odour in treated water. It can therefore help improve both water safety and taste.
Other Announcements
- During the programme, the Chief Minister also highlighted several other government initiatives.
- The state has started the process of identifying beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Ka Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojana, with surveys being conducted in panchayats.
- The government also announced the establishment of a veterinary hospital at Baddal Thor to improve veterinary services in the area.
- Under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, youth and women’s groups are being encouraged to participate in plantation and forest-protection activities. Self-help groups are eligible for financial assistance of ₹1.20 lakh, along with incentives linked to the survival of plantations.
