Chandigarh / Bathinda, May 20, 2026(Yes Punjab News)
Village Gill Kalan of Rampura Block has emerged as an exemplary model of community-led water management, where active public participation and collective responsibility have ensured the successful and sustainable implementation of tap water supply in every household.
Giving this information here today Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman informed that village’s water management efforts received appreciation during the virtual conference of the Sujal Gram Samvad under Jal Jeevan Mission held today, bringing recognition to Bathinda district at the national level for its effective community participation and sustainable water supply management.
The Deputy Commissioner said that Gill Kalan has shown the way awareness and public trust can transform rural water supply systems. The village water supply scheme, based on canal water, was upgraded in 2020 at a cost of ₹2.96 crore. It further underwent strengthening works that were completed during 2021-22. The scheme was later handed over to the Gram Panchayat Water Supply Committee (GPWSC) in September 2022 for local management and operation.
He said that all 784 households in the village now have functional tap water connections. Initially, several residents were hesitant to use the supply water and preferred submersible pump water. However, through regular awareness campaigns, door-to-door outreach, and water quality testing conducted in the presence of villagers using Field Testing Kits (FTKs), confidence among residents increased significantly. Inspired by the transparent testing process and positive results, villagers voluntarily applied for household water connections, leading to 100 percent coverage.
DC Rajesh Dhiman further said that the village now receives potable water supply for four hours daily and the entire operation is being managed efficiently by the Gram Panchayat Water Supply Committee (GPWSC). The committee has engaged a private pump operator for smooth functioning and regular maintenance of the system. He added that despite meeting annual operational expenses, the committee earns nearly ₹2 lakh annually and has accumulated savings of around ₹6 lakh from the water supply operations.
He appreciated the role of the village Panchayat, GPWSC members, Water Supply and Sanitation Department officials and the villagers for working collectively to ensure the long-term sustainability of the scheme. He said that continuous awareness camps, community meetings and water testing activities are helping maintain public participation and accountability, making Gill Kalan a model village for community-managed water supply systems.
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