IEP Fazilka, February 25
With a motive to ensure clean and potable drinking water to every household, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday formally laid the foundation stone of first of its kind project to ensure cleaning, storage and supply of water at a cost Rs. 578.28 crore. Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the ground water of this area has great extent of TDS and other elements, which is the main cause of fatal diseases like Hepatitis C, cancer, skin diseases and others. He said that particularly the Balluana constituency was facing acute shortage of drinking water thereby the state government has decided to set up the project in this area. Bhagwant Mann said that this project will provide potable water to 122 villages and 15 Dhanian (Hamlets) hailing in various Blocks of Abohar, Khuhian Sarvar, Arniwala and Fazilka. The Chief Minister said that once completed this project will cover population of 4,75,144 in 79,190 households. Bhagwant Mann said that this project is purely based on canal water system which will draw water from Gang Canal with capacity of 68 MLD and the project will be completed in record time of just 30 months. He said that people will be immensely benefitted by it as around 750 kilometre pipeline will be laid and 21 water supply schemes will set up to provide drinking water to every household by Larsen and Toubro. The Chief Minister said that S&S Tank, Clariflocculator, Filter House, Pump House and Clear Water Tank will be established at the project site for cleaning & storage of water and other purposes. He said that this is first of its kind project in the country aimed at ensuring the well being of the residents. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that this project will go a long way in transforming the destiny of the people. Inviting the women to come forward for bringing positive change in the society, the Chief Minister said that the women are blessed with basic instinct to meticulously plan the economy of their houses. He said that the women can plan and strategize the things better in positive direction adding that this can be very beneficial for society. Bhagwant Mann said that keeping in view this fact his government has deputed maximum women officers in this district to encourage the women populace for becoming an active partner in socio economic growth of the state in general and the district in particular. The Chief Minister said that twelve tickets were allotted by his party to the women in assembly elections and all of them have win the seats by whopping mandate. He said that the motive is to ensure that women acts as catalyst of transformation to bring the much needed change in society. Bhagwant Mann hoped that with the concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab will soon lead the country in every field. In a major announcement, the Chief Minister said that from April 1 canal water will be available for cotton crop cultivation to the farmers. He said that Police will be deputed to check the stealing of canal water so as to ensure that everyone gets water as their own term. Bhagwant Mann said that he has already instructed the officials to desilt the entire canal system of the state within two months. The Chief Minister also said that in another land mark initiative his government has decided to provide old age pension, Atta-Dal and other 40 services at the doorsteps of the people. He said that the basic aim is to ensure that the beneficiaries of these schemes do not have to face any inconvenience in getting the benefits of these schemes. Bhagwant Mann said that his government is committed for well being of every strata of society and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause. The Chief Minister said that he has asked the officers especially the Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to maximize their field visits, especially in villages, and interact with the people by going to villages. He said that it is the need of the hour to facilitate the people in getting their day-to-day works done easily besides ensuring good governance to them. Bhagwant Mann said that this will help in better functioning of the offices along with better acquaintance with the ground realities. The Chief Minister further said that after assuming the charge his government is making concerted efforts to restore the glory of state and cherish the aspirations of our great national leaders. He said that in mere 11 months of its tenure the state government has fulfilled the major guarantees promised to people adding that top priority is being accorded to health, education and employment sectors. Bhagwant Mann said that so far 500 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been dedicated to the people to provide quality health facilities to the people of Punjab.
