Punjab Achieves Major Milestones in Water Supply and Sanitation

Water, Sanitation, and Sustainability Initiatives Transform Rural Life
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Water Supply and Sanitation Department in Punjab has achieved significant progress in providing clean drinking water and improved sanitation facilities to rural populations in 2024.
Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Hardip Singh Mundian highlighted that Punjab has become the fifth state in the country to ensure 100 percent piped water supply to rural households under the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ scheme. Additionally, the state is addressing issues of water quality and scarcity by undertaking 15 major canal water projects, covering 1706 villages with an investment of ₹2174 Crore. These initiatives will benefit approximately 25 lakh individuals and 4 lakh families.
In sanitation, all villages in Punjab have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural). The state has constructed 5.64 lakh individual household latrines and 1340 community toilets. Furthermore, over 10,435 villages have become ODF Plus (desirable), and 1289 villages have attained ODF Plus (model) status. The government has also introduced waste management solutions, with facilities established in 3366 villages for solid waste management and in 9909 villages for grey-water management.
Punjab now boasts a network of 31 NABL-accredited water testing labs, along with two mobile water testing labs that provide on-the-spot services to rural communities. Each district is equipped with its own NABL accredited laboratory.
In an effort to manage waste and promote sustainability, the government, with the support of PEDA, has set up 20 biogas plants at the district level for managing cow dung, and 23 plastic waste management units at the block level to handle plastic waste in rural areas.
These initiatives reflect the Punjab Government’s commitment to improving the quality of life in rural areas through enhanced water supply and sanitation infrastructure.