In a major move to tackle water quality issues, the Punjab government has announced the launch of a comprehensive project aimed at providing safe drinking water to residents in several districts plagued by saline and arsenic contamination. The initiative aligns with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s broader public welfare agenda.
First Phase Targets Vulnerable Districts
The program, named the Chief Minister Clean Water Program, will initially roll out in 14 districts, including Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Khushab, Talagang, Chakwal, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, and Attock. According to officials from the Housing Department, formal approval is anticipated during the 24th meeting of the Punjab Development Working Party (PDWP).
Infrastructure Upgrades to Ensure Safe Water
The project encompasses the installation of advanced water filtration plants, construction of small dams, and the implementation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. This technology will allow authorities to monitor water quality in real time and ensure uninterrupted supply to communities.
Filtration facilities will be strategically set up at schools, health units, police stations, madrasas, and other public institutions, with locations finalized in collaboration with local district administrations. A central control hub will coordinate monitoring and maintenance through the SCADA system, signaling a modern approach to water management in the province.
A Step Toward Health and Sustainable Development
Officials stress that the program reflects the Chief Minister’s commitment to public health and sustainable development. “This initiative will make previously unsafe water drinkable, offering immediate relief to millions,” a spokesperson said, calling the program a milestone in safeguarding citizens’ right to clean water.
By combining infrastructure upgrades with real-time monitoring, Punjab’s clean water project is being hailed as a forward-looking effort to address long-standing environmental and health challenges in the region.
