On Sunday, Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Chief Minister, asked the Water Supply and Sanitation Department for assistance in setting up solar-powered water supply systems in the State.
Mann and the Minister in charge Brahm Shankar Jimpa presided over a review of the Department’s functioning. They said that the State will reap the benefits of tapping solar energy for water supply. He stated that the initiative would help in reducing electricity consumption and ensure regular water supply to the villages.
The Chief Minister was informed by the Department that it is considering installing solar-powered schemes at 1,508 villages in order to attain sustainability and self-sufficiency. This will be done at a cost Rs 60.50 crore.
The Chief Minister also approved digital adaptation in 1,731 villages. These schemes will be linked to the Internet of Things (IoT), and remote monitoring and operation of the water supply will be possible.
The pilot project, which is worth Rs. 106 crore, was approved by him. It will be launched in 93 villages, and it will cover 100 percent in 23 blocks.
