World Bank-funded Drinking Water Programme (For Semi-Urban Areas) provides affordable, reliable domestic drinking water connections to households in the selected semi-urban regions of Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand Peyjal Sansadhan Vikas Evam Nirman Nigam runs this scheme under the Drinking Water Department, government of Uttarakhand, so families can get safe and clean water without paying heavy connection charges.
As of August 2026, this programme has already brought piped drinking water to more than 5 lakh people across the semi-urban and peri-urban towns of the state. In early 2026 the Uttarakhand government moved a step ahead by getting central approval for a new World Bank backed project worth around Rs 1600 crore, which will strengthen drinking water supply in 16 more towns and surrounding areas. This update keeps the connection process simple and the charges low for eligible families.
World Bank-funded Drinking Water Programme (For Semi-Urban Areas) - Introduction
This state-level scheme is largely aimed at the semi-urban and peri-urban belts of Uttarakhand, the areas that sit on the edge of big towns and cities. Under the earlier World Bank supported Uttarakhand Water Supply Program for Peri-Urban Areas, around 22 such towns were covered with new piped water connections, metered billing and round the clock supply in many places.
The 2026 expansion takes the effort further. As per the approval given by the central government, the new project aims to give 24 hour clean water to about 6 lakh people living in around 1 lakh households across 16 cities and their adjoining areas. The work is being carried out by Uttarakhand Peyjal Sansadhan Vikas Evam Nirman Nigam, and similar areas run by Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan also form part of the network.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | World Bank-funded Drinking Water Programme (For Semi-Urban Areas) |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Infra |
| Beneficiary State | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Utility & Sanitation |
| Target Beneficiaries | Family |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| Nodal Department | Drinking Water Department |
| Implementing Agency | Uttarakhand Peyjal Sansadhan Vikas Evam Nirman Nigam |
Benefits
Under this scheme, an eligible family can get a domestic water connection by paying a very small connection fee of ₹1.00 and an application fee of ₹25.00. This keeps the basic water infrastructure within the reach of ordinary households and does away with the heavy charges that city connections often demand.
The wider benefit of the 2026 project is a regular supply of clean, pressurized and metered water for homes. Households that earlier had to buy water, dig borewells or spend money on pumps and filters can now rely on the departmental connection instead, which cuts daily effort and regular expenses.
2026 Update
In early 2026, the central government approved a World Bank funded project of about Rs 1600 crore to improve drinking water supply in the state. Around Rs 1280 crore of this amount will come from the World Bank, and the rest will be given by the Uttarakhand government. The project expects to give round the clock water to nearly 6 lakh people living in about 1 lakh homes.
Primary town selection has already been done, and areas such as Selakui, Bhawali, Bhimtal, Gopeshwar, Rampur, Doiwala, Bageshwar and others figure in the initial list. More towns and adjoining areas will be taken up in phases. Once the tender process and final approvals are complete, the construction work will move ahead through the drinking water department.
Eligibility
Families residing in the selected semi-urban and peri-urban areas of Uttarakhand, where water supply schemes have been built by Uttarakhand Peyjal Nigam or Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan, are eligible to apply. The programme is meant for semi-urban areas and does not cover the core urban municipal zones of the bigger cities.
Application Process
Applying for the drinking water connection involves a clear, step by step process through the departmental collection centers.
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest departmental collection center or check the official Peyjal portal to obtain the correct application form for a new domestic water connection.
STEP 2 - Fill the form and attach two recent passport size photographs along with a self attested photocopy of a government issued photo ID such as Aadhaar card, PAN card or Voter ID.
STEP 3 - Attach a self attested map of the property if the application is for a new building construction, and provide proof of ownership or occupancy for the site.
STEP 4 - Include a non judicial stamp paper of ₹100 and the approval letter of a departmentally registered plumber who will carry out the connection work.
STEP 5 - Submit the completed form along with all supporting documents at the collection center and keep the receipt of submission.
STEP 6 - Once the department verifies the details, the drinking water connection is normally given within 15 days of approval.
Documents
To apply successfully, an applicant should keep the following documents ready before visiting the collection center:
- Two recent passport size photographs of the applicant.
- Self attested photocopy of a government photo ID such as Voter ID, PAN card, Aadhaar card, Driving License or bank passbook with photo.
- Approved property map, which is required only for a new building construction.
- Proof of ownership or occupancy such as sale deed, lease deed, ownership certificate or fard.
- Non judicial stamp paper of ₹100 and the approval letter of the departmentally registered plumber.
References
Uttarakhand Peyjal Nigam Official Documents
Amar Ujala News on World Bank Water Project 2026
FAQ's
Who is eligible to apply for this drinking water connection?
Families living in the identified semi-urban and peri-urban areas where water supply schemes have been built by Uttarakhand Peyjal Nigam or Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan can apply.
How do I submit my application?
Collect the application form from the nearest departmental collection center and submit it personally along with the required documents and the prescribed fee.
Is there any fee involved in the application?
Yes, a nominal application fee of ₹25.00 is required, along with a small connection fee of ₹1.00 for eligible households.
Is this scheme available in my city?
This scheme is made for selected semi-urban and peri-urban areas, and it does not cover the main urban municipal zones of large cities.
How many areas are part of this network?
The earlier programme covered around 22 semi-urban areas, and the new 2026 project will add 16 more towns and their adjoining areas in phases.
How long will it take to get the water connection?
Once the application is submitted and the department completes the verification, the water connection is normally given within 15 days.