Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has made significant progress in providing better civic services and ensuring a clean environment for the residents of the state in 2024. This major advancement highlights the development in urban infrastructure and public service sectors within the state over the course of the year.
Minister for Local Governments, Dr. Ravjot Singh, shared that Punjab's total established sewerage treatment capacity has reached 2142 MLD (Million Liters per Day). With the addition of 492.15 MLD, the total capacity has now risen to 2634.15 MLD. The goal of this increase is to meet the growing needs of urban populations and ensure clean, purified water systems. Additionally, 52 Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs) with a combined capacity of 607 MLD are under construction, with an estimated cost of Rs. 650 Crore.
These projects are expected to be completed within the next 1-2 years, further expanding the state’s sewerage management capabilities. Dr. Ravjot Singh further emphasized that the Punjab government has prioritized the improvement of urban infrastructure across the state.
With the allocation of Rs. 450 Crore to urban local bodies (ULBs) in the current financial year, major development projects have been initiated. These initiatives will focus on modernizing urban areas, improving civic amenities, and enhancing the standard of living for residents.
Taking a major step to reduce dependence on groundwater, the government has launched large-scale surface water supply projects. Key cities such as Amritsar (440 MLD), Jalandhar (275 MLD), and Patiala (115 MLD) are already implementing these projects. Moreover, the Ludhiana Water Supply Project, with a capacity of 580 MLD, is expected to be operational soon.
Additionally, 87 towns across the state are focused on surface water supply projects. These projects involve various phases, aiming to ensure continuous and sustainable water supply for urban populations. To ensure water availability, pilot projects for 24/7 water supply have been launched in Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Jalandhar.
These initiatives are part of a broader plan to expand the "Drink From Tap" program to other cities in Punjab. As part of the government’s commitment to cleanliness, Punjab has made significant strides under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban). Rs. 401.73 Crore has been allocated for the purchase of solid waste management machinery, the establishment of processing facilities for solid waste, and the disposal of legacy waste.
Additionally, 730 sewer cleaning machines, with an investment of Rs. 39.55 Crore, are being procured to address various issues related to sanitation and sewerage across the state. Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh concluded by stating that 2024 marks a transformative period for urban development in Punjab. With improved sewerage treatment, better water supply systems, robust infrastructure development, and a cleaner environment, the state government is paving the way for a more sustainable, livable, and prosperous future for its residents.
These achievements reflect the Punjab government’s unwavering commitment to providing world-class civic services and a cleaner, healthier environment for the people of the state.