Punjab Rural Water and Sanitation Project gets World Bank nod

Chandigarh, Dec 28 (UNI) The World Bank has approved Rs 1280.30 crore Punjab Rural Water and Sanitation Project of which the Bank will provide Rs 750.90 crore as interest free credit with 35-year repayment period.

The remaining amount will be shared by one state government (Rs 245.40 crore), Government of India (Rs 207.20 crore) and Beneficiary Groups (Rs 76.80 crore), an official release said today.

The project envisages provision of safe drinking water in 2124 NC and 920 PC villages over a period of next six years. Besides, the old Rural Water Supply Schemes will be rejuvenated by making minor repairs or replacements in about 2700 villages.

The project also has provision to provide small bores sewerage schemes in 100 villages as well as remodeling of ponds in 1000 villages to improve environmental sanitation.

The programme will be implemented in all 19 Districts of Punjab and was expected to directly benefit about 7.4 Million rural population.

The programme particularly targets people belonging to Scheculed Caste and those living in difficult terrain. Women would be the primary beneficiaries through time saving in collecting water, better health from more and cleaner water, improved sanitation and better hygiene practices.

UNI JN VD HS1849