Water Supply Projects Sanctioned in Punjab Worth Rs 2130 Crores

The Government of Punjab has sanctioned large-scale water supply projects worth approximately Rs 2,130 crores aimed at improving the drinking water infrastructure in major urban centres of the state. The initiative primarily targets the cities of Amritsar and Ludhiana, focusing on providing reliable, treated, and canal-based surface water to residents. These projects mark a significant move away from dependence on groundwater sources, which have been rapidly depleting and facing contamination due to over-extraction and industrial waste.

Background and Objectives

Punjab, traditionally dependent on groundwater for its domestic and agricultural water needs, has witnessed severe depletion of aquifers in recent years. Excessive pumping for irrigation and urban consumption has led to lowering of the water table, deterioration of water quality, and high concentrations of contaminants such as iron and fluoride. Recognising the urgency of this problem, the Punjab government approved comprehensive water supply projects to shift the source of urban water to treated surface water drawn from canals.
The sanctioned projects worth Rs 2,130 crores represent one of the largest investments in the urban water sector in the state’s history. Their principal objective is to ensure continuous, safe, and sustainable water supply in Amritsar and Ludhiana by utilising river and canal networks as primary sources.

Key Features of the Projects

The projects have been designed as canal-based water supply schemes, replacing the existing dependence on underground borewells. Major components include:

• Construction of Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) to treat canal water before distribution.
• Development of transmission and distribution networks using modern pipeline systems capable of supplying treated water to every household.
• Creation of bulk water storage reservoirs and overhead tanks to ensure uninterrupted 24×7 supply.
• Installation of pumping stations for water transmission to distant and elevated areas.
• Introduction of modern water-metering systems and service-delivery reforms to enhance accountability and financial sustainability.

In Amritsar, land for the treatment plant has been secured near the Upper Bari Doab Canal, while in Ludhiana, land acquisition is in progress around the Rampur area. The water will be drawn from these canals, treated at large facilities, and then supplied through extensive transmission pipelines to urban households.

Financial Structure

The total cost of the projects is estimated at Rs 2,130 crores (approximately US $285 million). Funding is being shared between international development institutions and the Government of Punjab. Around 70 per cent of the cost is financed through international assistance, while the remaining 30 per cent is borne by the state government.
The financial plan also includes allocations for infrastructure development, land acquisition, resettlement, environmental management, and capacity-building initiatives. Dedicated funds have been earmarked for project management, monitoring, and quality assurance.

Expected Benefits

The sanctioned projects are expected to yield long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits, including:

• Improved water quality through centralised treatment and distribution.
• Reduction in groundwater extraction, allowing aquifers to recover naturally.
• Continuous water availability through reliable canal-based systems, addressing chronic shortages in summer months.
• Enhanced urban health outcomes by preventing the spread of waterborne diseases linked to contaminated water.
• Strengthened governance of municipal water utilities through improved management, maintenance, and revenue collection.

For residents of Amritsar and Ludhiana, the project promises a transformation from limited and irregular water supply to a modern, dependable, and hygienic service comparable to those in developed urban regions.

Implementation Framework

The projects are being implemented under a dedicated management unit formed by the state government. This unit is responsible for coordination between various departments including irrigation, housing, urban development, and public health engineering. The construction, operation, and maintenance of treatment plants and pipelines are being carried out in phases, with contractors selected through transparent tendering procedures.
Community engagement forms another crucial component of the scheme. Awareness programmes are planned to educate citizens about water conservation, payment compliance, and the importance of maintaining connections to the treated-water network.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the ambitious scope, several challenges accompany the execution of these projects:

• Land acquisition in densely populated urban zones often faces delays and negotiations with landowners.
• Coordination among multiple agencies can lead to administrative slowdowns.
• Maintenance and operational costs will need sustainable financing through water tariffs or municipal budgets.
• Public acceptance of tariff revisions for treated water services remains a potential hurdle.

Addressing these challenges requires efficient planning, transparency, and capacity-building at both state and municipal levels.

Environmental and Social Impact

The transition from groundwater to surface water is expected to deliver significant environmental relief by curbing over-extraction. It also helps mitigate risks of ground subsidence and salinity. From a social perspective, equitable access to clean water is anticipated to improve living standards, particularly in under-served and peri-urban areas. The projects also include compensation and rehabilitation measures for affected households where land acquisition is necessary.

Broader Significance

These projects signify a shift in Punjab’s water management strategy, aligning it with sustainable development goals. They represent an integrated approach combining environmental preservation, infrastructure modernisation, and social welfare. The focus on urban centres such as Amritsar and Ludhiana is intended to create models that can be replicated in other towns and cities across the state.
In the broader context, the Rs 2,130 crore investment underscores Punjab’s commitment to ensuring long-term water security amid growing urbanisation and industrialisation. By adopting canal-based systems and advanced treatment technologies, the state aims to secure safe drinking water for future generations while conserving its critical groundwater resources.