CM orders 800 mini dams in Potohar

POTOHAR:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday approved a plan to build 800 mini-dams in the Potohar region during the next three years to enhance rainwater storage.

Chairing a meeting, the chief minister reviewed progress on water conservation and groundwater management and was informed that 110 mini-dams had been built across Punjab for safeguarding water resources.

She sought a comprehensive plan for developing on-ground water bodies to conserve rainwater and ordered that the existing legal framework for groundwater management be strengthened and made more effective.

It was decided that dedicated staff would be deputed for water conservation and monitoring.

The chief minister directed the agriculture, irrigation, housing and local government departments to work in coordination to promote water conservation.

She approved plans for 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.

Photographic evidence of newly constructed mini-dams in Attock, Talagang, Gujar Khan and Rawalpindi was presented.

The chief minister said prudent nations safeguarded every drop of water.

She was informed that a strategy had been prepared to curb water losses of 30 per cent during conveyance and 25% during usage across the province.

Officials stated that the lining of 2,600 watercourses spanning 7,000 kilometres had been completed, resulting in 20% water savings. Over the next three years, another 4,500 watercourses covering 11,500km would be rehabilitated and lined.

The meeting was informed that a high-efficiency irrigation system had saved 18,000 acre-feet of water while increasing crop yields by 50%. Over the next three years, an additional 30,000 acres would be brought under modern drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.

In addition, 100 recharge wells are operational in Gujranwala, Gujrat and Lahore divisions, while another 300 are nearing completion.

The availability and supply of fertilisers in the province was also reviewed in the meeting.

It was decided that 1,000 new laser land levellers would be provided to farmers on 50 per cent subsidy during the current financial year.

Chairing another meeting on law and order, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the authorities to ensure strict legal action against those involved in rape, child abuse and corruption.

She was informed that the Safe City Project had been implemented in all 43 districts of Punjab and would be inaugurated soon.