Mega drain rehabilitation project to be included in ADP under comprehensive action plan

On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a high-level meeting chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Tuesday reviewed progress on the province’s largest mega project aimed at rehabilitation, construction and repair of major drains, along with comprehensive sewage treatment across Punjab

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Feb, 2026) On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a high-level meeting chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Tuesday reviewed progress on the province’s largest mega project aimed at rehabilitation, construction and repair of major drains, along with comprehensive sewage treatment across Punjab.

The meeting conducted a detailed assessment of measures relating to sewage treatment, floating wetland technology, industrial discharge monitoring and water quality management, with special focus on the Hudiara Drain.

It was informed that the Chief Minister has directed inclusion of the mega drain and sewage rehabilitation initiative in the Annual Development Program (ADP) under a comprehensive Mega Action Plan. Priority has been proposed for drains falling within the Ravi and Chenab basins.

Private housing societies have been given a three-month deadline to ensure environmental compliance, while installation of water treatment plants has been made mandatory for all new housing schemes. It was categorically stated that no NOC (No Objection Certificate) will be issued without a functional water treatment plant.

The meeting reviewed the plan for treatment of 500 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage in Hudiara Drain and establishment of floating wetlands. Participants were informed that under the Suthra Punjab Program, an effective solid waste clearance mechanism has been activated in Hudiara, with 10 kilometres cleared out of a total 30 kilometres, significantly reducing pollution load. It was highlighted that contaminated water from Hudiara reaches River Ravi within 24 hours, necessitating immediate and effective treatment.

Proposals were considered for installation of modern treatment plants at Bharti Entry, Ferozepur Road, Mullanwal and Barki to treat polluted water before its discharge into River Ravi. A pilot project for treatment of 1.9 MGD sewage at Nullah Lai in Rawalpindi was also discussed.

The Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) briefed the meeting on successful implementation of floating wetland technology in four villages. The system installed in Manga Wala in April 2023 has shown effective biodegradation and oxygenation, reducing BOD, COD and methane emissions while improving overall water quality.

Regarding industrial pollution, notices have been issued to 224 industrial units, with 90 units registered so far. Strict monitoring by the Environmental Protection Department is ongoing. Of 82 textile units inspected, 17 were found discharging excessive effluents, while treatment plants in 18 industries of the Packages Cluster have become operational. Proposals for establishing micro-clusters and modular RCC CETPs for 214 small-scale industries are under consideration.

Out of 49 housing societies registered with LDA, primary treatment plants are operational in 32 societies. The housing sector will also be integrated into the drain monitoring system. Working committees have been constituted to expedite progress on drains in Sialkot and Faisalabad, while immediate actions have been directed in Rawalpindi.

The meeting reviewed proposals to include the Dek, Lai and Hudiara drains as new components of the Suthra Punjab Program under the ADP, alongside rehabilitation of drains and ponds and formation of enforcement teams. It was decided to activate the Water Quality Testing System within the current year, enabling monitoring of heavy metals and aquatic ecosystems through Punjab Agriculture, food & Drug Authority. A comprehensive feasibility study and water quality monitoring mechanism will also be developed.

Proposals for submission of four PC-1s related to infectious diseases, phased allocation of funds for sewage and solid waste management, and introduction of an incremental compliance system for polluters were also discussed. The Planning and Development (P&D) Department was designated as the central coordinator, with a multi-sectoral framework comprising Health, Environmental Protection, WASA, Industry and other relevant departments.

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb directed that the Primary Health Department be included in the committee to ensure effective measures against diseases caused by contaminated water. A strategy matrix was also presented during the meeting, reaffirming the government’s commitment to modernizing sewage, drainage, and water treatment systems across the province.