Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Inaugurates 20 MGD Water Recycling Plant in Mohali

• A major leap toward sustainable water management in a groundwater-stressed state

Mohali, Punjab — In a significant step toward addressing Punjab’s water crisis, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated a state-of-the-art water recycling plant in Mohali on Monday. The project, built by Veolia India for the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), is one of the largest of its kind in the region, with a capacity to treat and recycle 20 million gallons of water per day (MGD).

The initiative aims to provide a sustainable and long-term solution to water scarcity in the area and is expected to directly benefit approximately 1.5 lakh residents of Mohali and surrounding areas.

Reimagining Water Use Amid Rising Demand

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, CM Mann emphasized the urgency of conserving water, especially in a state like Punjab that is heavily dependent on agriculture and faces significant groundwater depletion.

“Punjab’s future depends on how responsibly we manage our natural resources today. With groundwater levels depleting at an alarming rate, this recycling plant is not just a facility—it’s a step toward safeguarding our children’s future,” he stated.

Designed for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Constructed with advanced treatment and filtration systems by global water solutions provider Veolia India, the recycling plant aligns with international best practices in wastewater management. The treated water from the facility will be reused for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, landscaping, industrial processes, and cleaning, thereby reducing the pressure on freshwater resources.

According to environmental experts, adopting water reuse technologies like this can substantially reduce the extraction of groundwater. A study by the Water Research Foundation confirms that water recycling, when implemented efficiently, can cut freshwater demand by up to 40% in urban settings.

Punjab’s Broader Water Conservation Strategy

The new facility is part of the Punjab government’s larger mission to improve environmental sustainability and resource management. The state, which has one of the highest rates of groundwater depletion in India—as reported by the Central Ground Water Board—is now investing in infrastructure that supports long-term water conservation goals.

In addition to this recycling plant, the government is planning further interventions, including rainwater harvesting systems, surface water storage tanks, and the rejuvenation of village ponds.

A Model for the Rest of the Country

Officials said that the Mohali water recycling plant could serve as a blueprint for other cities in Punjab and across India that are facing similar water challenges.

“With this plant, we’ve not only embraced innovation but also made a promise to our future generations. We hope to replicate this model in other urban centers,” said a GMADA official at the event.