Punjab Approves Construction of 800 Mini Dams to Strengthen Water Conservation
The Punjab government has approved the construction of 800 new mini dams in the rain-fed Potohar region over the next three years as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve water conservation, groundwater management, and agricultural sustainability.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting on agricultural transformation and water resource management chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
800 Mini Dams Planned
According to officials, the new mini dams will provide a combined water storage capacity of approximately 32,000 acre-feet, helping capture rainwater for irrigation and groundwater recharge.
Authorities informed the meeting that 110 mini dams have already been completed, and progress updates were shared for projects in Attock, Talagang, Gujar Khan, and Rawalpindi.
The chief minister directed relevant departments to prioritize the construction of modern and secure rainwater storage facilities and prepare a comprehensive implementation plan for future projects.
Focus on Water Conservation
During the meeting, CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of protecting water resources, stating that every drop of water should be conserved for future generations.
The provincial government also decided to strengthen the legal framework for groundwater management and deploy specialized teams to monitor water conservation efforts across Punjab.
Departments including Agriculture, Irrigation, Housing, and Local Government have been instructed to jointly develop and implement a province-wide water conservation strategy.
Support for Farmers
To improve irrigation efficiency, the Punjab government will provide 1,000 laser land levelers to farmers at a 50% subsidy during the current fiscal year.
Officials also reported that the lining of 2,600 watercourses, covering nearly 7,000 kilometers, has already been completed, helping reduce water losses. Over the next three years, another 4,500 watercourses spanning approximately 11,500 kilometers will be upgraded.
Groundwater Recharge Projects
The meeting was informed that 100 groundwater recharge wells are already operational across the Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat divisions, while construction of an additional 300 recharge wells is nearing completion.
The government also reviewed fertilizer availability and agricultural requirements, with the chief minister directing all departments to ensure the timely completion of projects aimed at improving water security and increasing agricultural productivity across Punjab.
