LAHORE: The Punjab government is considering adopting a Japanese model for the construction of underground water tanks in the province.
Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique suggested during a meeting on Wednesday that the model of the Shibukawa Reservoir Project in Kawasaki City, Japan, should be implemented. He stated that the water collected in these underground tanks could be utilised for irrigation and plants.
The meeting, which aimed to review the progress of the Punjab Development Programme (PDP), included Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Asia Gul, Project Director Brigadier Asad Mahmood (R), and experts from Nespak. Additionally, Assistant Project Directors and Municipal Officers Infrastructure (MOIs) from the relevant cities participated via video link.
The minister emphasised that the underground natural water reservoirs would also be recharged with rainwater. He highlighted the initiative’s focus on preventing urban flooding in every city, as part of the PDP. He mentioned that underground tanks are being constructed along the sides of roads to facilitate immediate drainage of rainwater, contributing to flood management.
“Schemes have been launched in 46 cities under the PDP, and work orders for five more cities will be issued soon. Projects aimed at repairing streets and roads and rehabilitating parks will also be completed under this programme,” he noted.
Furthermore, the Minister stated that the ‘Maryam Nawaz’s Sohna Punjab’ initiative is designed to enhance municipal services, with comprehensive planning for sewerage systems and stormwater drainage in cities that have faced these issues for years.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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