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LAHORE:In view of rapidly declining groundwater levels in urban areas of Punjab, it has been decided to promote smart water metering for better and responsible use of water.
Secretary Housing Punjab Noor-ul-Amin Mengal directed that water metering projects in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and all other districts be completed at the earliest.
A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Secretary Housing Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, during which different models of water meters were reviewed in detail. Wasa officials briefed the meeting on water metering and groundwater recharge projects across the province.
Secretary Housing said that automatic water metering would introduce an automated reading system, ensuring that there would be no interference by any staff member in meter readings. He said that the metering system would be fully transparent and based on modern technology.
According to Wasa officials, a total of 1,509,288 water meters are required across Punjab. The briefing stated that 150,900 water meters would be installed in Lahore, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi by 2029.
The Secretary Housing directed that the scope of groundwater recharge wells be expanded. Wasa officials briefed that work on 70 groundwater recharge wells is underway across Punjab, of which 20 are fully operational. Projects for 40 recharge wells in Lahore, 25 in Multan and 5 in Faisalabad are also underway. According to the briefing, a target has been set to conserve 11.4 million gallons of water annually through recharge wells. The Secretary Housing directed that water metering and rainwater harvesting also be made part of the comprehensive water management plan. The meeting also reviewed water conservation measures being implemented in other countries. Wasa officials said that relatively low-cost water meters would be sourced from other countries in the region.
According to Wasa officials, from 1970 to 2020, the groundwater level in Lahore had been declining by up to 3 feet annually. However, changes in the operating hours of tube wells have reduced the annual decline to approximately 1 foot.
Secretary Housing Noor-ul-Amin Mengal directed that citizens be provided awareness regarding water conservation and protection of water resources. He said that effective and result-oriented projects were being introduced on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The Secretary Housing said that uniform development projects were being introduced across the province, with a focus on sustainable water management, conservation of groundwater resources and promotion of responsible water use.
