The government of Punjab has announced a plan to build 17 small dams across the province to improve water management and reduce the risk of floods. The decision was taken during a meeting on flood preparedness chaired by Maryam Nawaz.
Officials said the province may receive higher rainfall this year, possibly up to 28 percent above the normal level. Because of this, the government wants to increase its capacity to store rainwater and control sudden floods.
According to officials, the new dams will help collect rainwater, reduce pressure on rivers, and provide water for farming and local communities. Small dams are often used to store seasonal rainwater and improve irrigation in rural areas.
During the meeting, authorities also approved a new dam project in Chiniot. In addition, discussions were held about increasing water storage capacity at Kalabagh and Sadhnai to better manage water flow.
The provincial government is also planning new rules to stop construction in riverbeds and flood-prone areas. Such construction can block natural water flow and increase the damage caused by floods.
Officials said modern solutions like inflatable dam technology may also be introduced to improve water control. Experts believe these steps could help Punjab manage heavy rainfall and protect communities from future flood disasters.
