Architects welcome Sidhwan Canal potable drinking water supply decision for Smart City Ludhiana

Ludhiana, May 20, 2018: Architects under the banner of Indian Institute of Architects Punjab Chapter and Ludhiana Centre (IIAPC & IIALC) have welcomed the decision of Local Government Punjab that in principle approval has been accorded by state and central government to canal water project costing Rs.3508 crore for Ludhiana, Amritsar and Patiala.

“It is an excellent decision for all upcoming smart cities including Ludhiana”, said Ar Sanjay Goel, Director, Ludhiana Smart City Ltd and Chairman, IIA Punjab Chapter.

He added Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs had accorded technical clearance to water supply scheme costing Rs.1468 crores for Ludhiana city. These big funds are in addition to smart city existing funds and other Local Government/Corporation funds. Surface/potable water supply scheme like in Chandigarh will be very beneficial for Ludhiana also in long run.

As per central ground water board (CGWB) figures ground water level in Ludhiana city has declined at a rate of more than one meter (3.28 feet) per year during past few years and extraction of ground water is 150% more than the net ground water availability, he said.

He hoped that Ludhiana will be out of Dark Zone category of CGWB in coming years through excellent efforts of Navjot Singh Sidhu, Minister for Local Government, Punjab and World Bank funds amounting to Rs.1468 crore for Ludhiana will be sanctioned as soon as possible.