Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday gifted a major clean drinking water project to the people of Dhuri and Sangrur, laying the foundation stone for a 14 MLD-capacity water treatment plant at Bardwal village at a cost of more than ₹47 crore. He said the plant would treat canal water to make it fit for drinking, providing clean water to lakhs of residents while also reducing dependence on groundwater. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in just four years, the Punjab Government had increased canal water coverage of agricultural fields from 22% to 88% by laying 14,000 km of pipelines, resulting in an increase of up to four quintals per acre in paddy yield in areas with improved canal water availability.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, we have given the people of Dhuri a major gift in the form of a 14 MLD-capacity water treatment plant built at a cost of more than ₹47 crore. Now, canal water will be treated to make it completely potable and clean drinking water will be provided to the residents of the city and surrounding areas. Our government has increased the use of canal water from 22% to 88%, which has not only increased crop yields but also helped conserve groundwater. From today, we are also starting the process of registering land falling within the Lal Dora, so that people can get permanent ownership rights over their homes…”
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The aim of this project is to further strengthen the water supply system in Dhuri city. A canal-water-based water supply project is being implemented at a total cost of ₹47.38 crore, under which a 14 MLD (Million Litres per Day) Water Treatment Plant will be established.”
The Chief Minister stated, “Through this Water Treatment Plant, canal water will be treated to provide clean, safe and quality drinking water to the people. The residents of Dhuri city will directly benefit from this project and, upon its completion, approximately 85,000 residents of Dhuri will benefit from improved water supply facilities.”
He noted, “This multi-crore project has been designed not only to strengthen Dhuri’s urban infrastructure but also to address the city’s present and future water requirements. The primary objective is to provide the people of Dhuri with better-quality and reliable water supply.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Groundwater is one of our greatest natural assets, but its continuously declining level is a matter of serious concern for all of us. The state government has taken historic steps to reduce dependence on groundwater and make maximum and judicious use of canal water.”
The Chief Minister affirmed, “Our sole aim is to conserve this precious resource for future generations and strenuous efforts are being made in this regard. When our government assumed charge, only 22% of the water used for agriculture came through canals, but this figure has now increased to 88%. Clean drinking water is not a luxury for any citizen; it is a basic necessity and right of everyone. Contaminated or polluted water is the root cause of many serious diseases.”
He said, “With the implementation of this project, the people of Dhuri, especially our mothers, sisters and children, will be able to lead healthier lives and remain protected from water-borne diseases. The sole objective of the state government is the all-round development of Punjab.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “We do not merely make announcements on paper. We believe in completing projects on the ground in a time-bound manner. This ₹47.38-crore project is a testimony to that commitment and sincere intent. I have a special attachment to Dhuri city. The love and trust that the people of this region have given me is a debt that I will repay by bringing bigger and more transformative development projects to the area.”
“Keeping future needs in mind, the state government will leave no stone unturned to strengthen Dhuri’s basic infrastructure and provide better facilities to its people,” he added.