LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday approved the construction of 800 additional mini dams in the Potohar region over the next three years to enhance rainwater storage as part of the provincial government’s water conservation strategy.
The CM sought a comprehensive plan for developing on-ground water bodies to conserve rainwater and directed that the existing legal framework for groundwater management be further strengthened and made more effective.
Chairing a meeting on the Transformation of Agriculture and Water Management, the chief minister reviewed progress on water conservation and groundwater management and was informed that 110 mini dams had already been completed across Punjab under her vision of safeguarding water resources for future generations.
The meeting decided to deploy dedicated human resource staff for water conservation and efficient monitoring.
The chief minister also directed the agriculture, irrigation, housing and local government departments to work in coordination to promote water conservation.
She approved the construction of 800 new mini dams in Potohar over the next three years, which are expected to create storage capacity for 32,000 acre-feet of rainwater.
The meeting also reviewed the overall availability and supply of fertiliser in the province. It was decided that 1,000 new laser land levellers would be provided to farmers on a 50 percent subsidy during the current financial year.
Photographic evidence of newly constructed mini dams in Attock, Talagang, Gujar Khan and Rawalpindi was presented during the meeting.
The chief minister said prudent nations were those that safeguarded every drop of water.
In a briefing, it was informed to the meeting participants that a comprehensive strategy had been prepared to curb water losses of 30pc during conveyance and 25pc during usage across Punjab. It was further stated that lining of 2,600 watercourses spanning 7,000 kilometres had been completed, resulting in 20pc water savings. Over the next three years, another 4,500 watercourses covering 11,500 kilometres would be rehabilitated and lined.
The meeting was informed that the high-efficiency irrigation system had saved 18,000 acre-feet of water while increasing crop yields by 50pc. Over the next three years, an additional 30,000 acres would be brought under modern drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
According to the briefing, 100 recharge wells are operational in the Gujranwala, Gujrat and Lahore divisions, while another 300 are nearing completion.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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