
World Bank Team Reviews Progress of Amritsar Bulk Water Supply Project #AmritsarDevelopment #CleanWaterInitiative
- HEADLINESPUNJAB
- January 23, 2025
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- 24
Amritsar, (Rahul Soni): A six-member team from the World Bank recently visited Amritsar to review the progress of the Amritsar Bulk Water Supply Scheme, a vital initiative by the Punjab Government to ensure continuous clean water supply to city residents. The project, under the Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project, is being implemented in collaboration with the World Bank and aims to revolutionize the water supply system in the city.
The project involves treating water from the Upper Bari Doab Canal at a state-of-the-art water treatment plant near Vallah. This treated water will be supplied to households across the city through a new network of 112 kilometers of pipelines and 51 newly constructed water tanks. The initiative is set to replace the current system, which offers water supply for only 10 to 12 hours a day, with a continuous and reliable system, significantly enhancing the quality and availability of drinking water.
During their two-day visit, the World Bank team inspected key project sites, including the water tanks being constructed at Ranjit Avenue, Kot Khalsa, Lahori Gate, and Chheharta, as well as the progress at the Vallah water treatment plant. The team engaged in detailed discussions with project contractors, officials from Larsen & Toubro, and Municipal Corporation officers to assess the pace of construction and address any challenges.
Municipal Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Aulakh, who briefed the World Bank team, emphasized the administration’s efforts to expedite the project. The long-pending NOC from the Ministry of Defense for pipeline work near Vallah Aslah Bhandar has been secured, allowing work to commence. To further accelerate progress, Larsen & Toubro is ramping up manpower by employing both local and migrant labor.
The project’s ambitious scope includes constructing 51 new water tanks, renovating 24 existing tanks, and decommissioning 17 outdated structures with safety measures in place. The Vallah water treatment plant, with a capacity of 440 million liters per day, will not only ensure a steady water supply but also improve water quality, reduce groundwater depletion, and help restore groundwater levels.
Once completed, the city’s water supply system will be monitored via a modern SCADA system with a centralized control room, enabling real-time issue detection and resolution. This advanced monitoring will ensure prompt maintenance and uninterrupted services for residents.
The Amritsar Bulk Water Supply Project reflects a significant step toward sustainable urban development and improved public health in Amritsar. It underscores the Punjab Government’s commitment to enhancing essential services and fostering long-term water security for its citizens.