Key Takeaways
- Punjab government plans to install 150,000 smart water meters in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad.
- The initiative aims to improve water management and address declining groundwater levels.
- Officials have directed authorities to complete the projects as soon as possible.
The Punjab government has announced plans to install over 150,000 smart water meters in three major cities: Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance water management and tackle the issue of declining groundwater levels.
During a meeting chaired by Secretary Housing Punjab, Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, officials discussed various water meter models and ongoing groundwater recharge projects. The total number of water meters required across Punjab is 1,509,288, with 150,900 meters planned for the three major cities by 2029.
Mengal emphasized the importance of completing the water metering projects in the three major cities and other districts as soon as possible. He highlighted that the smart metering system will use automated readings, reducing staff involvement and increasing transparency in the process.
The system will be based on modern technology, with officials planning to source relatively low-cost water meters from other countries in the region. WASA officials have stated that the smart meters will utilize automated readings, which will remove the need for manual meter readings.
In addition to the smart metering projects, the meeting also reviewed ongoing groundwater recharge projects. Currently, 70 recharge wells are underway, with 20 already fully operational. Projects for 40 recharge wells in Lahore, 25 in Multan, and five in Faisalabad are also in progress.
Authorities have set a target to conserve 11.4 million gallons of water annually through these recharge wells. Mengal directed officials to expand the scope of groundwater recharge wells and include water metering and rainwater harvesting in the province’s comprehensive water management plan.
The meeting also reviewed water conservation measures being used in other countries. WASA officials highlighted the importance of adopting best practices from international examples to improve water management in Punjab.
The Secretary Housing emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to address water management challenges. He directed officials to ensure that the projects are completed efficiently and effectively, contributing to the overall water conservation efforts in the province.
