Emphasizes speedy execution of large surface water supply schemes to ensure potable water in adequate quantity

Chandigarh, February 26: Cabinet Minister Bram Shankar Jimpa, Minister of Water Supply and Sanitation took the comprehensive review with all the Senior Officers of the Department regarding major Water Supply & Sanitation projects being implemented by Department of Water Supply & Sanitation.

Principal Secretary, Water Supply & Sanitation Nilkanth S. Avhad presented the progress of 15 Large Surface Water Supply Schemes amounting to Rs. 2174.41 crore covering 1721 villages, being implemented by Department for shifting source from ground water to surface water. The Minister emphasized the importance of expediting the execution these large surface water supply schemes so as to timely ensure the potable water in adequate quantity to all the residents covered under these surface water projects.

Taking another step towards achieving the goal of transforming villages the department under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase II, has disbursed a total amount of Rs. 139.40 crore for construction of 92935 Individual Household toilets, Rs. 50.40 crore for 2400 community sanitary complexes, Rs. 53.20 crore for 9042 gram panchayats for solid waste management, Rs. 181.90 crore for 4846 gram panchayats for liquid waste management.

Special attention was invited towards addressing water scarcity in kandi and other water-stressed areas.

During the course of meeting Minister Jimpa instructed officials to expedite the promotion progress in all the group categories in the department. Also, the concerned raised by various employee unions were reviewed meticulously and directed officials to resolve their issues in accordance with established rules and regulations, fostering a conducive work environment within the department.

He further said the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is making great efforts for the overall development of the villages and is paying special attention to the supply of clean drinking water as well as management of solid and liquid waste so that the villages could be made model villages.

On the occasion, Special Secretary cum Mission Director Swachh Bharat Mission Amit Talwar was also present.