World Bank Delegation Conducts In-Depth Review of Ludhiana's Canal Water Supply Project
A high-level delegation from the World Bank recently concluded a two-day visit to Ludhiana, Punjab, to meticulously review the ongoing progress of the canal-based water supply project. This critical infrastructure initiative is jointly funded by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), aiming to enhance water accessibility and sustainability in the region.
Delegation Leadership and Key Meetings
The delegation was led by task team leader (TTL) Rosanna Nitty, who spearheaded comprehensive meetings with senior officials and conducted thorough inspections at multiple project sites. These engagements were designed to assess the on-ground implementation and address any challenges in real-time.
Senior officers actively participated in the discussions and site visits, including:
- Chief Engineer Ravinder Garg
- SE Parul Goyal
- SE Sham Lal Gupta
- Project Manager Gurvinder Pal Singh
- PMIDC Environment and Social Manager Badal Soni
- PMIDC Social Development Specialist Sumit Arora
They were accompanied by technical and field staff, ensuring a holistic evaluation of the project's advancements.
Project Components and Progress Assessment
The team reviewed major components of the project, with a focus on key infrastructure elements:
- The under-construction 580 MLD water treatment plant (WTP) at Bilga village
- Ongoing overhead water reservoir (OHSR) works
- Various stretches across the city where pipelines are being laid
Officials reported that within just 11 months of commencement, the project has achieved an impressive 22% physical progress. The World Bank delegation expressed appreciation for this swift pace, highlighting it as a positive indicator of efficient project management and execution.
Compliance and Sustainability Review
The delegation also conducted a detailed review of compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) protocols. They expressed satisfaction with the mechanisms in place, noting that crucial documents related to environmental and social safeguards had already been approved by the World Bank. This reaffirms the project's adherence to global standards and commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring minimal ecological impact and community well-being.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Outlook
Civic officials emphasized that the project is progressing swiftly, with the project monitoring committee (PMC) conducting regular reviews to expedite work. They added that continuous monitoring is helping maintain momentum across all components, from construction to compliance. This proactive approach is expected to keep the project on track for timely completion, ultimately benefiting Ludhiana's residents with improved water supply infrastructure.
