Punjab Increases Underground Water Storage Tanks

Punjab has completed 90 out of the 110 underground water storage tanks approved for 51 cities, according to Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique. This was announced during a review meeting, where the minister added that 88 of the 124 drains included in the program have also been successfully completed. The underground tanks have proven effective in rapidly draining rainwater from the areas where they are installed, which has led the provincial government to decide to increase the number of storage tanks in the subsequent phase.

Rafique outlined further improvements that would be made, including connecting the underground tanks with drainage systems and constructing disposal stations. Officials were directed to empty the storage tanks after each rainfall to ensure their continued availability for future rain events. The minister also emphasized the importance of considering the latest weather alerts while conducting dewatering operations.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Zaid Bin Maqsood, Shahid Zaman Lak, Mehreen Fahim Abbasi, and other municipal infrastructure officers, who reviewed the impact of a recent transporters’ strike on the supply of essential goods. The minister assured that the performance of the drainage infrastructure will continue to be monitored to enhance the province’s response to urban flooding.