NANGAL: In a groundbreaking move to persistent drinking water woes of Nangal residents, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains has announced a Rs 16 crore piped water project to supply clean drinking water from the Sutlej River to every household in the town, slated for completion within 18 months.
Divulging the details about the ambitious project, S. Bains informed that the project, for which tenders have been floated, will see the establishment of two new Water Treatment Plants and the augmentation of the capacity of existing plants of 4MLD. This infrastructure upgrade is designed to end the decades-long struggle of Nangal residents who have faced both water scarcity and severe contamination of groundwater.
S. Harjot Singh Bains stated, “I'm delighted to share that our efforts to ensure clean drinking water to Nangal's residents is becoming a reality. Within 18 months, every home will have access to pure, safe water from the Sutlej River. It's ironic that Nangal, where the Sutlej river begins its journey through Punjab, has faced water scarcity for so long."
The Education Minister pointed out that previous attempts to address Nangal's water crisis, including the Municipal Council's efforts to drill multiple borewells, have been unsuccessful in providing sustainable or safe water. The area's groundwater has been severely contaminated due to industrial pollution, posing a significant threat to public health. This underscores the need for a reliable and safe water supply solution, which the new project aims to achieve by sourcing water from the Sutlej River.
Harjot Singh Bains congratulated to the citizens of Nangal, stating that the residents deserved the clean water of the Sutlej River, which was always their right. The ambitious project to supply pristine Sutlej water directly to residents is poised to be a game-changer, bringing numerous benefits, including improved public health, enhanced quality of life. He also highlighted Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's relentless efforts over the past year and a half to devise a lasting solution to Nangal's water woes.