POTOHAR: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved an ambitious plan to construct 800 mini dams across the Potohar region over the next three years, marking one of the province’s largest initiatives aimed at improving rainwater storage and tackling water scarcity. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting on water conservation and groundwater management, where officials briefed the Chief Minister on ongoing efforts to protect Punjab’s water resources. Authorities informed the meeting that 110 mini dams have already been completed across the province, contributing to improved water preservation. The new project is expected to add storage capacity of approximately 32,000 acre-feet of rainwater, strengthening water security for agriculture and local communities. Maryam Nawaz also directed officials to prepare a comprehensive strategy for developing natural and artificial water bodies while calling for stronger legislation to regulate groundwater use. To improve oversight, dedicated personnel will be assigned to monitor water conservation initiatives. The chief minister instructed the agriculture, irrigation, housing and local government departments to work together to ensure the effective implementation of water-saving measures. Officials presented photographic evidence of recently completed mini dams in Attock, Talagang, Gujar Khan and Rawalpindi, highlighting progress already made in the region. During the briefing, authorities revealed that Punjab has developed a strategy to minimise water losses, which currently stand at around 30 per cent during distribution and 25 per cent during consumption. They also reported that the lining of 2,600 watercourses covering nearly 7,000 kilometres has already delivered significant water savings. Over the next three years, another 4,500 watercourses stretching 11,500 kilometres will be upgraded. The meeting was informed that high-efficiency irrigation systems have already conserved around 18,000 acre-feet of water while boosting crop productivity by nearly 50 per cent. The government now plans to extend modern drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to an additional 30,000 acres. Officials further stated that 100 groundwater recharge wells are already operational in the Gujranwala, Gujrat and Lahore divisions, with another 300 nearing completion to strengthen groundwater reserves. The chief minister also reviewed the availability of fertilisers across Punjab and approved the provision of 1,000 new laser land levellers to farmers at a 50 per cent subsidy during the current financial year to promote efficient farming practices. In a separate meeting on law and order, Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance approach against rape, child abuse and corruption. She was also informed that the Safe City Project has now been implemented in all 43 districts of Punjab and is expected to be inaugurated soon, further enhancing public safety and surveillance across the province.
