SAS Nagar (Mohali), July 7:
In a path breaking initiative, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party Arvind Kejriwal on Monday dedicated an ultra modern 15 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) worth Rs 145.26 crore to the people.
Interacting with the media persons after dedicating the plant, the Chief Minister said that latest technology has been used in setting up of this plant which will be further replicated in the other parts of the state soon. He said that the motive is to save the precious water of the state by ensuring optimum utilisation of the waste water also. Citing the example of Singapore, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the country is using micro filter technology to make the rain water drinkable.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is making similar efforts to save the water of Punjab for the coming generations. He said that as water, air and land had no votes so the traditional leaders had ignored them and no heed was paid towards these major issues concerning the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to this massive pollution and degradation of these natural resources took place thereby causing an irreparable loss to the society.
However, the Chief Minister said that after the formation of the AAP government in the state steps have been taken to save the environment, rejuvenate the canal system and take other exemplary steps for the well being of society. He said that similar efforts are being made to ensure that the water is treated with the best ever available technology to save it for coming generations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as prevention is better than cure so such steps are being taken to ensure that this precious natural resource is saved.
Quoting verse ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’ from Gurbani, the Chief Minister said that the great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the time has come when we must imbibe the teachings of Gurbani in our lives for restoring the pristine glory of the state by resolving to save the environment of the state. He said that the state government will leave no stone unturned for this noble cause adding that the people of state should support the state government by planting more and more trees.
The Chief Minister said that the Punjab government is taking benefit of the vision of farsighted leader Arvind Kejriwal, who has already proved mettle by giving good governance in the national capital. He said that Punjab is being immensely benefited from the expertise of Kejriwal, who has taken several path breaking initiatives in Delhi. Bhagwant Singh Mann also congratulated the officers for smooth execution of this project which will prove to be a milestone for carving out a progressive Punjab.
Meanwhile, senior AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that a 15 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) capacity Sewage Treatment Plant is being inaugurated today here at Sector-83 in Mohali. He said that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has upgraded this project at a total cost of ₹145.26 crore. Arvind Kejriwal said that the plant previously had a capacity of 10 MGD, which has now been upgraded to 15 MGD.
Arvind Kejriwal announced that a major facelift will be given to the state in the coming few months on a Mission mode. He said that in order to give impetus to development of cities a complete roadmap has been prepared. Arvind Kejriwal said that starting from this December, the state government will ensure water supply, sewerage facility, cleanliness, roads, lights and STP in 166 cities of Punjab.
Arvind Kejriwal said that this plant has been upgraded using Advanced Nutrient Removal Technology adding that in addition to the 15 MGD Sewage Treatment Plant, a 5 MGD capacity Ultra Filtration Tertiary Treatment Plant has also been established. He said that this is Punjab’s first Ultra Filtration Plant and the treated water from this plant will be used for various purposes such as irrigation, road cleaning, toilet flushing, and other municipal uses. Arvind Kejriwal said that the use of treated water will reduce dependence on fresh water, thereby helping in the conservation of underground water resources.
Arvind Kejriwal said that to reduce electricity consumption, a 1 MW (megawatt) capacity solar power plant has also been installed at the site. He said that keeping in view the projected population growth and urban development in Mohali over the next 20 years, GMADA (Greater Mohali Area Development Authority) has established this sewage treatment plant using a scientific approach. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government will continue more such endeavors for the well being of the people of Punjab and no stone will be left unturned for it.
