Punjab Inaugurates Ultra-Modern 15 MGD STP in Mohali to Revolutionize Urban Water Management
Punjab Unveils India’s Most Advanced 15 MGD Sewage Treatment Plant in Mohali; 166 Cities to Get Mission-Mode Makeover
Mohali, July 7: In a landmark initiative to promote sustainable urban development and water conservation, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated India’s most advanced 15 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Sector 83, Mohali. The ₹145.26 crore project, described as India’s best STP, sets a new benchmark in water treatment technology and will be replicated across other parts of the state.
A Technological Milestone in Water Management
The newly upgraded STP, enhanced from 10 MGD to 15 MGD capacity, incorporates Advanced Nutrient Removal Technology along with a 5 MGD Ultra Filtration Tertiary Treatment Plant. The treated water will be reused for:
- Irrigation
- Road cleaning
- Toilet flushing
- Municipal and industrial use
This forward-thinking approach is aimed at reducing dependence on fresh groundwater, a critical move for Punjab, which is grappling with depleting water tables.
Environment Comes First: Trees, Air, and Water Now a Priority
Speaking at the event, CM Bhagwant Mann highlighted that previous governments ignored critical environmental concerns simply because “air, water, and trees don’t have votes.” He emphasized that his government has reversed this mindset by treating natural resources as sacred. Referring to Gurbani’s verse, “Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat,” Mann underscored the spiritual and ecological imperative to protect nature.
“We are drawing inspiration from Gurbani and from global examples like Singapore, which treats rainwater for drinking using micro filtration,” said Mann.
State-Wide Urban Transformation from December
Arvind Kejriwal praised the Punjab government’s proactive approach and announced an ambitious state-wide urban transformation project, which will begin in December 2025. Under this mission-mode campaign, the government will upgrade 166 towns with:
- Water supply
- Sewerage infrastructure
- Proper sanitation
- Paved roads
- Street lighting
- STPs and water reuse systems
“A roadmap has been prepared, and execution will begin on war footing,” Kejriwal said.
Solar Power and Long-Term Planning
The Mohali STP is also energy-efficient, featuring a 1 MW solar power plant on-site to reduce electricity consumption. The plant has been designed by GMADA (Greater Mohali Area Development Authority) to cater to urban growth projections for the next 20 years.
Kejriwal commended GMADA and the executing officers for delivering the project using a scientific and environmentally-conscious approach.
Treated Water to Fuel Mohali’s Sustainability Goals
The Ultra Filtration Plant is Punjab’s first of its kind, setting a national precedent in wastewater reuse. Treated water from the plant will replace freshwater in many routine civic operations, making Mohali a model for eco-conscious urban governance.
By reusing treated water, the plant significantly reduces the load on underground aquifers—an urgent issue in Punjab’s water-stressed districts.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the 15 MGD STP in Mohali is more than just a civic project—it’s a symbol of a new environmental and infrastructural vision for Punjab. With state-wide urban upgrades planned, renewable energy integration, and water reuse becoming the norm, Punjab is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable governance.