Business Recorder
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has granted in-principle approval to transform 7,500 villages into model villages in the 2nd phase. She also directed authorities to present timelines for the completion of model village projects and submit comparative “before and after” videos of each village. A target has been set to clean stagnant wastewater ponds (chhappar) in villages by June 30, while a helpline (1336) has been established for the immediate resolution of faults in water filtration plants. The chief minister also directed the early completion of bottling plants in Khushab and Chishtian and ordered that the cluster-based water supply scheme in Rajanpur be completed by May 15. She further directed that malfunctioning water filtration plants be repaired and restored without delay, emphasizing that the provision of clean drinking water must be ensured on a priority basis in the most polluted and underdeveloped areas. “Negligence in the repair and restoration of water filtration plants for the provision of clean drinking water will not be tolerated. Access to clean drinking water is the right of every citizen of Punjab,” the chief minister said. According to a briefing, the mission to transform 485 villages into model villages is progressing rapidly, with an estimated cost exceeding Rs59 billion for the completion of Phase-I. Each village will be equipped with water supply systems, solar-powered tube wells, drainage facilities, and the cleaning of wastewater ponds. The chief minister has also set a deadline of August 31 for the completion of septic tanks (natural water filtration systems) in villages. After desilting, the water from these tanks will be reused for irrigation purposes. The directives were issued during a special meeting chaired by the chief minister to review progress on the model villages and clean water projects in detail. The meeting was informed that the helpline 1336 has been made operational for the prompt resolution of issues related to water filtration plants. Reiterating her commitment, the chief minister said that the goal of transforming villages into model settlements would be achieved at all costs. “People living in rural areas have an equal right to resources, and we will ensure they receive it,” she added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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