‘Canal-water project makes progress, 14.8% work done in 6 months’

The canal-based water supply project, Ludhiana Surface Water Supply Scheme (LSWSS), has achieved 14.8 per cent physical progress within just six months of its commencement. Reviewing the progress under the project, Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal stated that the project was moving forward at a fast pace and strict orders had been issued to complete the project within the stipulated time period.

A flagship initiative of the Government of Punjab, the project is being implemented by the Municipal Corporation Ludhiana (MCL) with technical support from the Punjab Municipal Infrastructure Development Company (PMIDC). It is jointly financed by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The first phase of the project has a budget of Rs 1,305 crore, with an additional Rs 154 crore earmarked for 10 years of operations and maintenance and Rs 84 crore reserved for quality assurance.

Officially launched on 25 February this year, Phase-I is scheduled for completion by February 25, 2028. During the review meetings held in the recent past, the World Bank has appreciated both the pace and quality of progress of the work.

MC Commissioner Dachalwal stated that the work to establish a world-class water treatment plant (WTP) was going on fast in Bilga village (near Sahnewal). Meanwhile, the water resources department was preparing to float tenders for raw water drawl from the Sidhwan Canal. The road restoration is being carried out promptly after soil settlement to minimise inconvenience. In total, around 165 km of transmission lines and distribution network has to be laid under the project and nearly 20 km of water supply pipelines have already been installed. Material has also been arranged for an additional 25 km of pipeline. Further, 70 new OHSRs (water tanks) have to be constructed under the project, of which work has started at 28 sites. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) has already been conducted at 30 existing OHSRs, out of the total 50 old OHSRs which would be rehabilitated under the project, added Dachalwal.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the project emphasises community engagement, stakeholder consultations, grievance redressal and environmental safeguards, in line with World Bank and AIIB standards. Strict safety protocols are enforced. The project’s social and communication unit is actively conducting awareness campaigns, consultations, and outreach activities to keep residents informed and engaged, said the Commissioner.