Punjab Launches Development Projects in 51 Cities

Under the **Sohna Punjab Program launched by Maryam Nawaz, development schemes have been initiated in 51 cities across Punjab.

Under the Punjab Development Program (PDP), work awards have been issued for all cities to ensure the timely completion of projects.

The progress was reviewed in a meeting chaired by Zeeshan Rafiq, Punjab Minister for Local Government, where project directors briefed participants on various schemes.

The meeting was also attended by Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed, Special Secretary Asia Gul, experts from Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) and National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK), along with municipal officers.

The minister said the Local Government Department had been assigned responsibility for 52 cities under the PDP, while the feasibility study for Kharian has been handed over to the Irrigation Department.

Construction of 324 roadside and 34 underground water storage tanks is a key focus of the chief minister. These tanks will help control urban flooding while also storing large quantities of water.

Officials said 62 million gallons of water will be stored in roadside tanks, while 32 million gallons will be stored in other underground tanks.

Besides draining rainwater, the project will also help recharge underground water reserves. The minister added that the chief minister has directed the use of lining pipes only, a technology being introduced in Pakistan for the first time.

Installation of lining pipe plants at designated locations is underway, and efforts are being made to complete the tanks before the monsoon season.

To improve drainage, 181 kilometers of drains are being constructed, while the total length of sewer lines under the project is 3,500 kilometers, and 2,600 kilometers of roads and streets will also be developed.

Under the PDP, comprehensive master planning of cities has been carried out for the first time.

The minister also stressed the importance of strict safety measures at project sites and directed deputy and assistant commissioners to regularly submit safety audit reports to ensure that the projects are completed safely and efficiently.