Punjab Newsline | Ludhiana
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday visited Ludhiana and inaugurated the construction of a Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Hebowal. The project, estimated to cost around Rs 65 crore, is targeted for completion by September 2027.
According to the Punjab government, the plant will directly benefit 435 dairy owners in the area and produce about 5 tonnes of biogas every day. The government has also provided approximately 2.5 acres of land for the project.
Addressing the gathering, Mann said the plant would scientifically process nearly 300 tonnes of cow dung daily, converting waste into useful energy while reducing the burden on sewage treatment plants (STPs). He said the project had been under preparation for a long time and was designed to ensure scientific disposal of dairy waste instead of allowing it to enter sewage systems.
Chief Minister also spoke about the government’s employment policies, stating that the role of a government is not merely to register police cases against people but to create job opportunities for the youth. He said candidates who perform well in competitive examinations are informed about job-related opportunities through letters sent to their homes and mobile messages.
Mann linked the project to the state’s broader environmental goals, saying Punjab has historically been known as the land of five rivers and the government is committed to keeping its water sources clean.
14,000 km of Pipelines Already Laid
Mann further claimed that nearly 14,000 kilometres of pipelines have already been laid across the state, with a target of laying another 7,000 kilometres. Supplying canal water directly to farms, he said, would help farmers reduce dependence on groundwater and improve agricultural productivity.
Claim of Groundwater Recharge
The Chief Minister also stated that the government has so far facilitated the recharge of about 21 lakh cusecs of water into the ground. According to him, groundwater levels in several parts of Punjab have improved, with water tables rising by one to five metres in some areas.
‘Public Money Is Being Spent on Public Welfare’
Mann said the funds being spent on government projects belong to the people and should be used for public welfare and infrastructure development. He described the Hebowal CBG plant as an important initiative for environmental protection, the dairy sector, and clean energy generation.
The government reiterated that the plant is expected to be completed by September 2027, after which it will be capable of scientifically processing around 300 tonnes of cow dung every day while producing renewable biogas for energy use.
‘Punjab’s Water Must Be Preserved in Punjab’
On the issue of water management, the Chief Minister said conserving Punjab’s water resources remains a top priority. He claimed that the share of canal water usage in Punjab has increased from about 22 percent in 2022 to 88 percent now.
He added that water is being supplied to Haryana and Rajasthan under existing agreements, while Punjab has taken several measures to better manage its own share of water resources.
