Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the construction of 800 mini dams across the Potohar region over the next three years as part of one of the province’s largest water conservation initiatives. The ambitious project aims to improve rainwater storage, address water scarcity, and strengthen agricultural sustainability across Punjab.
The decision was made 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, helping preserve valuable rainwater and improve water availability.
According to officials, the new project will create an additional 32,000 acre-feet of rainwater storage capacity, benefiting both farmers and local communities. Maryam Nawaz also directed departments to prepare a comprehensive strategy for developing natural and artificial water bodies while introducing stronger legislation to regulate groundwater extraction.
To ensure effective implementation, the chief minister instructed the Agriculture, Irrigation, Housing, and Local Government Departments to work together on water conservation measures. Dedicated monitoring teams will also be deployed to oversee progress.
Officials presented updates on completed mini dams in Attock, Talagang, Gujar Khan, and Rawalpindi, highlighting significant progress in the Potohar region.
The briefing also revealed that Punjab is implementing measures to reduce water losses, which currently stand at approximately 30% during distribution and 25% during consumption. So far, 2,600 watercourses covering nearly 7,000 kilometres have been lined to improve water efficiency, while another 4,500 watercourses spanning 11,500 kilometres will be upgraded over the next three years.
Authorities reported that high-efficiency irrigation systems have already conserved around 18,000 acre-feet of water while increasing crop productivity by nearly 50%. The government also plans to expand drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to an additional 30,000 acres.
To strengthen groundwater reserves, 100 groundwater recharge wells are already operational in the Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Lahore divisions, while another 300 wells are nearing completion.
In addition, Maryam Nawaz approved the provision of 1,000 laser land levellers to farmers at a 50% subsidy during the current financial year to promote efficient farming practices. During a separate law and order meeting, she also directed authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against rape, child abuse, and corruption, while reviewing progress on the Safe City Project, which has now been implemented in all 43 districts of Punjab.
