In a major step towards environmental sustainability and improved sanitation, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann laid the foundation stone for a Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and a Main Pumping Station at Dera Sachkhand Ballan on Thursday. The state-of-the-art facility is being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹3.4 crore and is expected to be completed within a span of 12 months. The STP will have a capacity of 0.5 million litres per day (MLD) and is designed to serve the sanitation needs of the lakhs of devotees who visit this spiritual center throughout the year.
On this auspicious occasion, CM Bhagwant Mann paid homage at the revered Dera and sought blessings from Sant Niranjan Dass Ji, the head of Dera Sachkhand Ballan. Emphasizing the spiritual significance of the place, Mann said he was deeply honored to visit this land, which holds the footprints of saints and spiritual leaders who have consistently spread the message of peace, unity, and communal harmony.
Highlighting the state government’s commitment to inclusive development, the Chief Minister reiterated his administration’s focus on sectors such as education, healthcare, employment, and environmental conservation. Referring to the ideology of Baba Sahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, CM Mann stated that his government has been working tirelessly to ensure equal opportunities and upliftment of marginalized communities. He noted that Punjab has emerged as a leader in educational reforms and outcomes, and credited the state’s progress in competitive examinations like NEET and JEE to the improved access to quality education for economically weaker sections.
Addressing the press, the Chief Minister also spoke about the success of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojna, a flagship health scheme that provides cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family across Punjab. He emphasized that this initiative has drastically eased the financial stress on families seeking quality medical care and is a first-of-its-kind welfare measure in the country.
The newly announced STP project is not only a significant boost to local infrastructure but also a symbol of sustainable development. According to Mann, the treated water from the plant will be recycled for agricultural use and is expected to benefit over 13 hectares of nearby farmland. This eco-friendly approach will support local farmers, reduce groundwater dependency, and improve environmental standards. CM Mann stressed that the initiative reflects the state’s dedication to environmental protection and public welfare.
He further acknowledged the contributions of Dera Sachkhand Ballan to society, praising its longstanding role in promoting education, social equality, and healthcare access among disadvantaged communities. He applauded the Dera’s efforts in uplifting the poor and marginalized through various philanthropic activities, adding that it continues to inspire millions of followers of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji across the globe.
The foundation stone ceremony was attended by an array of dignitaries including Cabinet Ministers Harbhajan Singh ETO, Lal Chand Kataruchak, Dr. Ravjot Singh, and Mohinder Bhagat, along with Lok Sabha MP Dr. Rajkumar Chabbewal and MLAs Balkar Singh, Inderjit Kaur Mann, and Jasvir Singh Gill. Several high-ranking officials such as the Chairman of the Punjab Safai Karamchari Commission Chandan Grewal, Chairman of Punjab State Cooperative Bank Pawan Teenu, and Chairman of Punjab Agro Mangal Singh Bassi were also present at the event, highlighting the government’s unified commitment to infrastructural growth and social well-being.
This news is sourced from the web media and reports coming from international news websites
