Work on surface-based water project going on at slow pace

There is not much development in the canal-based 24x7 water supply projects even two years after inauguration. The project is expected to be complete after a long delay. The reason for the delay was that the works proposed to complete in the first phase started with delay due to formalities and NOCs. There was no scarcity of funds, claimed the authorities. As per the proposal, the construction of the water treatment plant and distribution lines would be installed in the first phase. These distribution lines would be connected with the existing overhead water tanks and tubewell points. Then, the further door to door connectivity lines would be installed in the second phase. Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had inaugurated the first phase of the surface water project worth Rs 722 crore on February 22, 2020. The entire project would cost around Rs 2,200 crore and will help in providing clean water. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the lending arm of the World Bank Group, would finance 70% of the cost and the rest would be borne by the Punjab Government.