CHANDIGARH, Dec. 16 — Seeking to address long-standing water shortages, the Punjab government has approved a ₹26 crore drinking water project for Bathinda under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme, officials said Monday.
The foundation stone for the project was laid in Amarpura Basti by Mayor Padamjeet Singh Mehta, marking the start of a large-scale upgrade to the city’s water supply network.
“For many families, clean water has been uncertain for years,” Mehta said. “This initiative guarantees that every household in the covered areas will receive regular and safe drinking water.”
According to municipal authorities, the project includes the construction of two overhead reservoirs, each capable of storing 200,000 gallons of water. One reservoir will be built in Amarpura Basti and the other in Model Town Phase 4-5.
In addition, nearly 63 kilometers of pipelines will be installed, extending water connections to about 8,600 households and benefiting an estimated population of 35,000.
Officials said the infrastructure will rely on modern distribution systems to ensure efficiency and long-term sustainability. The scheme falls under the state’s Jal Jeevan Mission, which focuses on meeting basic urban needs.
Mehta said the project reflects the government’s focus on resolving essential civic issues. “Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Local Bodies Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh have made infrastructure development a priority across Punjab,” he said.
Residents in the affected areas have long complained of dry taps and poor water quality, problems that officials say will be addressed once the project is completed.
Public health officials noted that consistent access to clean water could lead to a decline in water-related illnesses and improve overall quality of life.
The Bathinda project is among several AMRUT 2.0 initiatives planned in the state, as the government works toward strengthening urban services and ensuring reliable drinking water for growing cities.
