CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh’s efforts in urban development and good governance have today earned a new identity at the national level. At the Build India Infra Awards 2026 ceremony held in New Delhi, the Burhanpur Water Supply Project of the Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Company (MPUDC), an undertaking of the Urban Development and Housing Department of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, was honored in the prestigious category of “Social Impact Excellence of the Year.” The award was presented by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in the esteemed presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. On behalf of MPUDC, Chief Engineer Shailendra Shukla and Technical Officer Kamlesh Bhatnagar received the award. The ceremony was also graced by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik, former Secretary to the Government of India D.S. Mishra, and retired senior IAS officer Raghav Chandra.
Supported financially and technically by the World Bank, this project has brought transformative change to urban life in Burhanpur. Its technical robustness is reflected in the installation of a state-of-the-art 50 MLD (Million Litres per Day) water treatment plant. The plant ensures that water is made completely safe and potable through filtration, chlorination, and advanced scientific purification processes. To maintain quality and uninterrupted supply, a modern SCADA system and a high-standard water testing laboratory have also been integrated. The distribution system has been modernized with the construction of eight new overhead tanks and a strengthened pipeline network across the city, effectively curbing water loss caused by the old and dilapidated infrastructure.
Demonstrating strong social commitment and public welfare orientation, the project has connected approximately 41,000 households through metered tap connections. At present, every citizen of Burhanpur is being ensured an average supply of 135 liters of safe drinking water per day, reflecting an equitable and just distribution system. Managing Director Sanket Bhondwe and Additional Managing Director Divyank Singh described this achievement as a result of the team’s dedication and commitment to innovation. According to Chief Engineer Shailendra Shukla, the award is not only a recognition of effective project management but also a testament to the modern standards and sustainable development practices being adopted in the field of urban infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh. This proud accomplishment establishes the state’s water management policies as a model at the national level.
