Panchkula: Bahbalpur is set to become the first gram panchayat in Panchkula district to manage and maintain its drinking water supply system under a new initiative of the public health engineering department. The decision was approved unanimously at a gram sabha meeting chaired by sarpanch Priyanka Devi. Representatives of the gram panchayat, village water and sewerage committee, and departmental officials have signed a joint declaration to begin implementation.
Community Participation and Local Ownership
District consultant Arzoo Chaudhary said the policy aims to boost community participation and strengthen local ownership of water services. A village-level survey will be conducted to assess supply coverage, household connections, and infrastructure needs. The survey will help identify gaps and ensure that every household receives adequate water supply.
Maintenance Contribution and Framework
Explaining the framework, block coordinator Narendra Modgil said a maintenance contribution of Rs 100 per consumer will be collected for the upkeep of the system. This contribution will be used for repairs, maintenance, and operational costs, ensuring the sustainability of the water supply. The funds will be managed by the village water and sewerage committee, with transparency and accountability.
Executive engineer Sameer Sharma said the initiative would empower panchayats to ensure efficient water management while encouraging greater public participation. He urged other villages to adopt similar community-led models. The success of Bahbalpur could serve as a blueprint for other gram panchayats in the district and beyond.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the public health engineering department to decentralize water management and involve local communities. By giving panchayats the responsibility for water supply, the department hopes to improve service delivery and reduce dependence on external agencies. The move is expected to lead to better maintenance, quicker response to issues, and more efficient use of resources.
