*Maryam Nawaz Launches Plan to Build 800 Mini Dams in Potohar to Boost Water Conservation*

*LAHORE, July 31:* Punjab Chief Minister *Maryam Nawaz Sharif* has launched a major water conservation initiative by approving the construction of *800 mini dams* across the Potohar region over the next three years to enhance rainwater storage, strengthen agricultural productivity, and address the province’s growing water challenges.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting on agriculture transformation and water resource management chaired by the chief minister, where officials briefed her on the progress of ongoing conservation projects. The meeting was informed that *110 mini dams* have already been completed under the provincial government’s water preservation programme.

Maryam Nawaz directed the relevant departments to prepare a comprehensive strategy for developing additional surface water reservoirs to maximize rainwater harvesting. She also ordered that the legal framework governing groundwater management be strengthened to ensure the sustainable use of water resources across Punjab.

Under the approved plan, the *800 new mini dams* are expected to create an additional *32,000 acre-feet of rainwater storage capacity*, helping improve water availability for agriculture in the rain-fed Potohar region while reducing the impact of climate change and recurring drought conditions.

Officials presented updates on recently completed mini dams in *Attock, Talagang, Gujar Khan, and Rawalpindi*, highlighting their contribution to improving water storage and supporting local farming communities.

The chief minister emphasized that efficient water management had become essential for Pakistan’s future, stating that nations which conserve every drop of water are better positioned to ensure food security and sustainable development.

To improve coordination, Maryam Nawaz directed the Agriculture, Irrigation, Housing, and Local Government departments to work under a unified framework, while dedicated staff will be deployed to oversee water conservation and monitoring activities.

The meeting was informed that Punjab aims to reduce water losses by *30 percent during distribution* and *25 percent during on-farm usage*. Officials said the lining of *2,600 watercourses*, covering nearly *7,000 kilometres*, has already been completed, resulting in approximately *20 percent water savings*.

Over the next three years, another *4,500 watercourses*, stretching across *11,500 kilometres*, will be rehabilitated and lined to further improve irrigation efficiency.

Officials also reported that the adoption of modern irrigation technologies has already conserved *18,000 acre-feet of water* while increasing crop yields by around *50 percent*. The government plans to extend drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to an additional *30,000 acres* of farmland during the next three years.

The meeting was further informed that *100 groundwater recharge wells* are already operational in the Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Lahore divisions, while another *300 recharge wells* are nearing completion to help replenish underground water reserves.

To support farmers, the chief minister also approved the distribution of *1,000 laser land levellers* at a *50 percent subsidy* during the current fiscal year to improve land preparation, enhance irrigation efficiency, and increase agricultural productivity.