INVC,,
Shimla,,
Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister released a ‘Practical Handbook on Public Health Engineering’ authored by Shimla based engineer, Shri G.S.Bajwa, here today. Practical Handbook on Public Health Engineering is the first book on fascinating subject ‘Water’ the most precious gift of nature and elixir of life is based on long experience of the author who is well versed with the world’s one of the oldest water supply system developed for Shimla centuries ago.
Chief Minister congratulated Shri G.S.Bajwa for bringing out the handbook. He said that Shimla Water Supply system was developed in the year 1888 and a 10 lakh litre capacity water tank constructed on the historic Ridge. The history revealed that even the vehicle of Viceroy was not allowed to be driven over the water tanks on the Ridge. He said that Shimla Water Supply happened to be one of the four world’s oldest water supply systems while the water supply system of Peshawar, in Pakistan, had been rated best in Asia. He said that Shimla Water Supply Scheme happened to be the highest head in entire Asia and had a number of unique features. He said that historic town of Shimla was being fed by Cherot, Cheir, Gumma and Ashwani Khad water. He said that history revealed that last water supply for Shimla was completed by Britishers in year 1923, constructed with imported pipes and other equipments. He said that Shimla Water Supply contained dynamic head of 1400 meters, which was highest in Asia.
Chief Minister said that availability of water for different purposes was one of the biggest challenge facing modern day planners. He said that it was evident that most of the civilizations the world over had developed around the rivers and water had been apprehended as the cause of next World War which speak volumes over the importance of water for sustenance of all living beings.
Chief Minister revealed that the State Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation would be taking advantage of vast experience of Shri G.S. Bajwa in bringing out its fourth publication on ‘Water Heritage of Shimla’ to acquaint readers of the engineering wonder and to satisfy their curiosity on updating their knowledge about historic Shimla town. He said that Shimla Water Supply had been the life line of the historic town and was likely to be the next heritage point for the city. He complimented Shri G.S.Bajwa for sharing his knowledge with the readers through the publication which would go a long way in smoothening the road for future planners and executioners in effecting economies in time, money and for hassle free supply of water in the State.
