Ludhiana, July 10 (Rajkumar Sathi). A high-level delegation of the World Bank (WB) visited the city on Friday to review and assess the progress under the World Bank and AIIB-funded Ludhiana Surface Water Supply Scheme (canal based water supply project). The delegation was led by Task Team Leader Rossana Nitti, Urban Specialist Joyi and Senior Social Development Specialist Maria Luisa Duran Fargas. A review meeting was held under the chairmanship of MC Commissioner Ojasvi Alankar at MC Zone D office in Sarabha Nagar wherein the delegation was apprised of the current status of the project, construction progress, quality assurance mechanisms and future implementation strategies. Superintending Engineer Parul Goyal, Project Manager Gurvinder Pal Singh along with technical officers and representatives of the executing agency also participated in the meeting. The delegation inspected the under construction 580 MLD Water Treatment Plant (WTP) at Village Bilga, key transmission pipeline areas, and other ongoing construction sites. The delegation appreciated the project’s 42% physical progress, noting that the project in Ludhiana is progressing at a faster pace than similar projects in other cities. The project continues to achieve its planned milestones within the stipulated timelines. Under this project, treated surface water would be supplied to each and every household of the city. First phase of the project is going on in the city. The delegation also reviewed the environment and social safeguard implementation including the implementation of the resettlement action plan for pipeline areas, communication and outreach activities, grievance redressal mechanism, environmental and social safeguard measures, community engagement initiatives, and worker safety practices. The WB delegation also appreciated the recently launched Monsoon Helpline and Whatsapp chatbot by the Municipal Corporation Ludhiana for prompt grievance redressal and citizen support, describing it as a proactive public-centric initiative. The World Bank delegation appreciated the commitment of the Municipal Corporation Ludhiana and the PIU towards maintaining high standards of construction quality, environmental and social compliance, public safety and timely project execution.
About Post Author
