Mann Govt according top priority to supply of clean and potable drinking water to villages of Punjab: Jimpa

Chandigarh, January 10, 2023: Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa said that Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is making stupendous efforts to ensure supply of clean water in those villages, where the ground water was contaminated. Chief Minister had announced to provide all facilities to the people at the doorsteps. 

In its endeavor to provide safe drinking water to water quality affected villages, the Punjab government and the World Bank launched the Moga project, a comprehensive surface water supply scheme designed to provide clean and safe drinking water to affected villages in the region. It serves as a model for other regions looking to improve their drinking water supply and promote social development. The project has had a significant and transformative impact on the quality of life and livelihoods of residents in the region. By providing access to clean, safe drinking water, the project has reduced the prevalence of waterborne diseases and improved the overall health of the community, added Jimpa.         

Water supply and sanitation Principal Secretary DK Tiwari and HoD Mohammad Ishfaq said that the project's success is a testament to the vision and hard work of the Punjab government. It has demonstrated that, with the right planning, coordination, and resources, it is possible to improve the quality of life and livelihoods of rural communities, while also ensuring long-term water security.

Despite all challenges, the project is a major success. The 50 MLD water treatment plant is now fully operational, providing clean and safe drinking water to 85 villages with a population of approximately 4 lakhs. The plant has been designed to operate on a sustainable basis, using state-of-the-art technology to minimize energy and water consumption. The project is not only providing safe water but will save 5 crore litres of ground water daily.

It is pertinent to mention that Punjab had long struggled with heavy metal contamination, decreasing underground water levels, and waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, amoebiasis, hepatitis B, and dysentery. These issues had a negative impact on the region's economy, as residents were forced to devote time and resources to dealing with the consequences of polluted drinking water.

The Moga project involved the construction of a 50 MLD water treatment plant in the village of Dhaudhar. This plant was designed to treat surface water and provide a long-term, sustainable solution to the area's drinking water needs. The project was completed on a Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (DBOT) basis, with M/s Larsen & Toubro Private Limited.