Sukhbir finalises proposed urban and rural mission covering entire state with 100 percent basic amenities

Chandigarh, June 23: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today finalised the proposed urban and rural mission blueprint containing 100 percent sewerage, water supply, sewerage treatment plant, cemented streets, and mechanised cleanliness system along other basic amenities. Recently introduced cess will be used to fund both missions.
Presiding over a high level meeting here Mr. Badal, accompanied by Local Bodies Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Irrigation Minister Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Som Parkash, Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal and other higher ups of all departments concerned asked the authorities that the works should be accomplished within stipulated timeframe. He said no city, town and village of the state should be without adequate supply of potable water, sewerage and STP facilities. He also directed that within one year each household in the state should have water as well as sewerage connection. The approved plans will cost Rs. 8086 crore.
Finalising the action plan for providing 100 percent cover of basic amenities in urban and rural areas, Mr. Badal asked Secretary Local Bodies to put the project on expeditious mode to complete the works in time. He said Punjab had made a comprehensive plan to incur cess for development of urban and rural areas besides building world class infrastructure. He also said that zone wise clusters should be made for cleanliness and sanitation purposes. He said that the companies, which would get the works, to construct roads, install water supply and sewerage pipes, and construct cemented streets and sewerage treatment plants. The Deputy CM has asked that a Water meter policy should be devised for installation of meters in all houses in the State as well as collection of bills.
Mr. Badal also directed that technical experts should be hired on contract basis to head two clusters each. These experts will act as quality analysts and oversee the progress of all works. He also directed that a third party audit should be appointed to oversee the progress of the works.
The Deputy CM said all major, small cities, towns and villages would be covered under this plan and availability of basic amenities would be provided on scientific line. It was also informed in the meeting that the projects would be completed before September 2016 since the work of water supply, sewerage was on advanced stage of completion whereas in 40 another towns water supply work was completed while sewerage and STP works were under progress. The meeting informed that in 46 towns have sewerage systems while the water supply, repair of roads, upgradation or roads, provision of solid waste management, street light etc, would be initiated soon. The Deputy Chief Minister also asked the authorities to execute the proposed plan well in time besides ensuring uniformity and quality of the material being procured and used for.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Secretary Local Bodies Mr. Ashok Gupta, Secretary Local Bodies Mr. J.M. Balamurgum, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, CEO Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Mr. D.K. Tewari and other senior officers of all department concerned.