All Deputy Commissioners instructed to ensure construction of at least one public building in their respective districts equipped with a groundwater recharge system
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved a comprehensive strategy to restore depleting groundwater reserves, making rainwater harvesting and underground recharge systems compulsory in all future development projects across the province.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Peshawar on Sunday, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah said the province was facing an alarming decline in groundwater levels and that immediate, science-based interventions were needed to ensure long-term water security.
The meeting decided that every new PC-I prepared in the province will be required to include provisions for groundwater recharge and rainwater storage.
To enforce this, the Local Government Department has been directed to incorporate the requirement into building bylaws, making such structures mandatory for all new constructions.
“In line with the special directive of the Chief Minister, we are committed to addressing the water shortage through modern and sustainable methods,” Mr Shah said. “This plan will be expanded further in the coming months.” As a demonstration, all Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to ensure the construction of at least one public building in their respective districts equipped with a groundwater recharge system.
Water and Sanitation Services Companies and Tehsil Municipal Administrations have also been tasked with launching special projects in areas facing acute water scarcity.
The Local Government department’s TMAs and WSSCs will identify flood-prone low-lying areas in cities and set up rainwater harvesting and underground recharge arrangements there to capture runoff and replenish aquifers.
Stressing the need for public participation, the Chief Secretary said awareness campaigns would be launched to highlight water conservation.
“This campaign to restore groundwater cannot succeed without the active involvement of the people,” he added.
