Punjab plans 800 new mini dams in three years to save water
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting on agricultural transformation and water management chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The planned mini dams will be constructed in the Potohar region and will have a combined storage capacity of 32,000 acre-feet. Officials informed the meeting that 110 mini dams have already been completed across the province.
The chief minister was briefed about newly constructed mini dams in Attock, Talagang, Gujar Khan and Rawalpindi. She directed authorities to focus on developing modern and secure water storage facilities to preserve rainwater.
“A wise nation is one that protects every single drop of water,” Maryam Nawaz said while reviewing a report on water conservation and groundwater management.
The meeting also decided to strengthen the legal framework for groundwater management and appoint specialised staff for water conservation and monitoring.
The agriculture, irrigation, housing and local government departments were directed to prepare a joint strategy for improving water management across Punjab. To improve water efficiency in agriculture, the provincial government will provide farmers with 1,000 laser land levelers at a 50% subsidy during the current fiscal year.
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Officials informed the meeting that lining work on 2,600 watercourses covering 7,000 kilometres has been completed across Punjab, helping save around 20% of water. Another 4,500 watercourses covering 11,500 kilometres will be lined and improved over the next three years to reduce water wastage and enhance irrigation facilities.
The meeting was also informed that 100 recharge wells are currently operational in Lahore, Gujranwala and Gujrat divisions, while work on another 300 wells is nearing completion. Officials also reviewed the availability and supply of fertiliser in Punjab, along with the requirements of the agriculture sector.
Maryam Nawaz directed the relevant departments to ensure the timely completion of all water conservation projects aimed at improving agricultural production and securing future water needs.
