Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday laid the foundation stone for a Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and Main Pumping Station at Dera Sachkhand Ballan, a project to be completed at a cost of ₹3.4 crore.
The Chief Minister paid obeisance at Dera Sachkhand Ballan and sought blessings from Sant Niranjan Dass Ji, head of the Dera.
Expressing his reverence, the Chief Minister said that he feels blessed to have received the opportunity to visit this sacred place, which holds the footprints of great religious leaders. He noted that this land has always promoted the values of universal peace, brotherhood, and communal harmony. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that, following the path shown by Baba Sahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Punjab Government has prioritized the education sector, along with health, employment, and other key areas.
The Chief Minister stated that his government has already undertaken several path-breaking initiatives in these sectors. He said Punjab has ushered in a new era of reforms in education and healthcare, and today leads the country in educational outcomes. Bhagwant Singh Mann proudly mentioned that students from weaker and underprivileged backgrounds are now excelling in prestigious exams like NEET and JEE, thanks to the state’s committed efforts.
Highlighting another landmark initiative, the Chief Minister spoke about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna—the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country—providing cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family to every resident of Punjab. He emphasized that this will significantly reduce the financial burden on families while ensuring access to quality healthcare. Calling the event a historic occasion, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the foundation stone for a Sewerage Treatment Plant and Main Pumping Station at Dera Sachkhand Ballan has now been laid.
The Chief Minister said that STP will have a capacity of 0.5 MLD (Million Litres per Day) and is expected to be completed within 12 months at a cost of ₹3.4 crore.
He said the project will provide a clean and healthy environment for the lakhs of devotees who visit Dera Sachkhand Ballan regularly to pay their respects. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the initiative will also lead to major improvements in sanitation infrastructure.
The Chief Minister said that the treated water from the plant will be recycled and reused, supporting the irrigation of approximately 13 hectares of land. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the project represents a significant step towards clean water, improved healthcare facilities, environmental protection, and reducing dependence on groundwater. He added that the Punjab Government considers itself fortunate to contribute to this noble cause.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that Dera Sachkhand Ballan has consistently played a leading role in social welfare, and that he has had the privilege of visiting the holy place multiple times since assuming office. He praised the Dera for being a source of inspiration to millions of followers of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji, who preached the ideals of an egalitarian society. Bhagwant Singh Mann also commended the Dera’s contributions in uplifting the social and economic well-being of the masses, including its efforts to provide quality education and healthcare services to underprivileged communities. He also lauded the philanthropic work carried out by the Dera for the welfare of society at large.
On the occasion, several dignitaries including Cabinet Ministers Harbhajan Singh ETO, Lal Chand Kataruchak, Dr. Ravjot Singh, and Mohinder Bhagat, Lok Sabha MP Dr. Rajkumar Chabbewal, MLAs Balkar Singh, Inderjit Kaur Mann and Jasvir Singh Gill, Chairman of the Punjab Safai Karamchari Commission Chandan Grewal, Chairman of the Punjab State Cooperative Bank Pawan Teenu, Chairman of Punjab Agro Mangal Singh Bassi and others were also present.
