Punjab Demands Rs. 111.13 Crore in Pending Funds for Timely Completion of Water Projects Under Jal Jeevan Mission
Punjab Demands Rs. 111.13 Crore to Complete Crucial Water Supply Projects
In a move aimed at ensuring the timely completion of critical water supply projects in rural Punjab, the state’s Water Supply and Sanitation Minister, Hardip Singh Mundian, has called on the Government of India to release pending funds of Rs. 111.13 Crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission. This funding is essential for finishing ongoing projects that provide canal water to villages affected by poor water quality.
Minister Mundian made this request during the ‘India 2047: A Water Secure Nation’ conference in Udaipur, Rajasthan, where he addressed Union Jal Shakti Minister, C.R. Patil. Mundian stressed the urgency of the matter, highlighting that the completion of these projects would significantly improve access to clean and safe drinking water for rural communities in Punjab.
Punjab’s Strides in Providing Clean Water to Rural Areas
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has been dedicated to providing its rural population with clean drinking water. The state achieved a major milestone in April 2023 when it became the fifth in the country to meet the target of providing 100% drinking water coverage to rural households under the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ mission, a full year ahead of the national goal of March 2024.
Mundian revealed that the government’s next goal is to ensure 24-hour drinking water availability to all rural areas in the state. He highlighted the need for timely funding to complete the ongoing canal water projects, which are crucial for the villages suffering from high levels of contaminants such as uranium, arsenic, and selenium in their groundwater sources.
“The funds are necessary to continue the work on 15 surface water projects, which will provide clean water to around 25 lakh people in rural Punjab,” said Mundian. These projects, valued at Rs. 2200 Crore, are being implemented in phases and are vital for communities that have long struggled with water contamination issues.
Technological Advancements in Water Supply Management
Punjab is also making significant strides in water supply management through technological innovations. To ensure the effective and efficient delivery of clean water, the state has implemented IoT-based monitoring systems for real-time surveillance of water schemes. SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems are also being used to ensure the smooth operation of water supply networks.
Additionally, the state government has established a grievance redressal system, which has handled over 138,000 complaints since its inception in 2009. Impressively, 99.7% of these complaints have been successfully resolved, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to maintaining a reliable water supply system for its citizens.
Community Engagement and Gender Inclusivity in Water Management
Mundian emphasized that community participation, especially the involvement of women, is essential to maintaining the infrastructure for water supply. The Punjab government has made it mandatory for at least 50% of the members of Gram Panchayat Water and Sanitation Committees (GRWSC) to be women, ensuring that local communities are actively involved in water management and maintenance.
He noted that women play a vital role in water conservation and quality management, and their inclusion in decision-making processes strengthens the state’s efforts to create a sustainable and water-secure future for all.
Punjab’s Role in Achieving India’s Water Security Goals
Mundian’s remarks at the Udaipur conference were aligned with the broader goal of making India a “water-secure nation” by 2047. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to ensure that clean, potable water remains accessible to future generations. As part of this national vision, Punjab is positioning itself as a leader in water management and rural water supply.
The minister concluded by reaffirming Punjab’s ongoing commitment to achieving water security for all its residents. He reiterated that timely funding from the Union Government would play a crucial role in ensuring the completion of these transformative water projects, furthering the state’s mission of making safe drinking water accessible to every citizen.
Conclusion: The Path Forward for Punjab’s Water Security
Punjab has made remarkable progress in providing clean drinking water to its rural population, setting an example for other states in the nation. However, the pending Rs. 111.13 Crore in funding is critical for the timely completion of essential projects that will improve water quality in affected villages. With continued cooperation from the Government of India, Punjab is poised to meet its ambitious goal of providing 24-hour drinking water to all rural households, paving the way for a water-secure future.