Kolkata, May 16 (IANS): In a bid to improve access to drinking water in Darjeeling, the West Bengal government is starting a Rs 24 crore rainwater harvesting project for slum dwellers, an official said on Tuesday.
"The slums in Darjeeling which are not connected to normal water supply for nine months a year, will now get drinking water and water for washing. The funding is provided by Global Climate Facility Funding," Bengal Environment Secretary Arnab Roy told the media here.
"This is the first time a rainwater harvesting project at such a huge scale is being implemented in the state," Roy said.
He was speaking on the sidelines of the CII-organised Conference on Sustainable Waste Management.
Roy said the project was being executed by the municipal engineering directorate.
"Tendering has started for the project," he added.