CHANDIGARH, August 5 — In a step towards enhancing citizen-centric governance, Punjab’s Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian on Monday announced that a modern Jal Bhawan will be constructed in Mohali, where all public services related to the department will be provided under one roof.
Chairing a review meeting with officials, Mundian said the project reflects the Bhagwant Mann-led government’s commitment to delivering hassle-free and transparent services to the people. “The department currently lacks a unified office space in Mohali or Chandigarh. Jal Bhawan will consolidate all offices, streamline operations, and make it easier for people to access services,” he said.
The state-of-the-art building is expected to be completed within two years. A presentation on the proposed design was given by the Chief Architect of the Architecture Department during the meeting.
Highlighting the features of the upcoming complex, the Minister said it will include:
• A large auditorium
• Multiple conference and meeting halls
• A crèche
• A rest house for visitors and staff
The building will also be constructed in compliance with Griha/ECBC norms to ensure energy efficiency and lower operational costs in the future, officials said.
Mundian instructed all departments involved to maintain top quality standards throughout the construction process. “No compromise on quality will be tolerated. The infrastructure should reflect the best of public service facilities,” he added.
Principal Secretary Neel Kanth Avhad informed that a budget provision of Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for the project in 2025–26, and if the PWD Department utilises this fund by November–December, more funds will be requested from the Finance Department to expedite the project.
