Ongoing clean drinking water projects reviewed

By Farzana Chaudhry Lahore Pakistan

LAHORE: In order to protect citizens from the harmful effects of contaminated water, the Government of Punjab has conducted a comprehensive review of the progress of ongoing clean drinking water projects. On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, an important meeting was held under the chairmanship of Secretary Housing Punjab, Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, to review the status of clean water initiatives. CEO Punjab Saaf Pani Authority, Captain Ali Asghar, gave a detailed briefing on the projects.
During the meeting, it was informed that the installation of water filtration plants is underway in areas affected by arsenic-contaminated and polluted groundwater, while surface water treatment plants are being installed at Dharabi, Miroval and Phalina dams. The briefing further stated that work is also in progress on the establishment of modern water bottling plants in Khushab, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rahim Yar Khan.
According to the spokesperson, the first phase of the projects is targeted for completion by June 30, 2026, which will enable the provision of safe drinking water to more than 29 million people across the province. Clean drinking water will be supplied to citizens through 19-liter water bottles. Water filtration plants are being installed in government buildings, including schools, religious seminaries, mosques and police stations.
The spokesperson added that installing filtration plants in government buildings will significantly reduce theft incidents, while effective and automated monitoring of the projects will be ensured through the introduction of a modern SCADA system. The network of clean water projects across the province is being further expanded. On the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, efforts have been accelerated to ensure timely completion and effective implementation of these projects.