CM Orders Immediate Steps to Improve Drinking Water Supply in Punjab
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday chaired the fifth consecutive review meeting on the provision of clean drinking water, directing authorities to expedite water supply projects across the province and ensure reliable access to safe drinking water in water-scarce areas.
The meeting reviewed ongoing and proposed drinking water schemes in Chakwal, Rawalpindi, Rajanpur, Faisalabad, Murree, and Attock, with a special focus on improving water availability in underserved communities. It agreed in principle to accord top priority to the provision of clean drinking water to eight water-deficient villages in Chakwal.
Participants also considered a proposal to launch pilot water supply projects in Rajanpur, Jampur, Chak Shigari, and Dajal. The meeting approved, in principle, a pilot scheme for supplying clean drinking water to Chak Jhumra and suburban areas of Faisalabad.
Sharif, chairing the meeting, directed authorities to:
- Prepare and verify authentic data on water requirements based on population figures for effective planning and equitable resource distribution.
- Immediately provide 21 water bowsers in Rajanpur to address immediate resident needs and accelerate beautification and development projects in Rojhan.
- Supply additional water storage tanks for Murree to enhance drinking water supply and initiate work on developing a new water source for the hill station to meet growing demand.
The Punjab Clean Water Authority and deputy commissioners gave detailed briefings on the prevailing water supply situation, progress on filtration plants, and the implementation status of ongoing projects.
Key findings included:
- Chakwal: 32 functional filtration plants, 237 under construction, and development of 15 model villages underway.
- Rawalpindi: 246 operational filtration plants, 252 planned.
- Attock: 77 operational filtration plants, 399 under completion, nine model villages planned.
- Rajanpur: 146 functional filtration plants, 191 under construction, 12 model villages planned.
- Murree: Five operational filtration plants, 90 under construction.
- Faisalabad: 343 functional filtration plants, four surface water treatment plants, 180 additional filtration plants under construction.
Sharif emphasized that ensuring access to clean drinking water remains a top priority for her government.
