Provincial Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique chaired a review meeting on the Model Village Program on Wednesday and decided to conduct a survey to restore traditional ponds in more than 22,000 villages across Punjab.
The meeting was attended by Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Arshad Baig, and Project Director of the Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company (PRMSC), Asadullah, who briefed the minister on different aspects of the program.
Rafique directed officials to prepare a feasibility report for cleaning around 40,000 ponds, noting that Maryam Nawaz has sought a comprehensive plan.
He said environmental problems have increased due to the disappearance of traditional village ponds, many of which have turned into swamps over time.
The minister said restoring ponds would help store rainwater, improve groundwater levels, and promote aquaculture in rural areas.
He added that the government plans to expand the Model Village Program to all villages in phases.
During the meeting, officials also discussed a presentation for the chief minister on the progress of the project. Rafique said the government will install sewerage systems, cover drains, and pave streets in every model village.
He further announced that each village will also get filtration plants and streetlights to provide modern facilities to residents.
The project is being implemented under the supervision of the Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company.
Meanwhile, Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian directed officials to use artificial intelligence for village surveys to improve data collection and ensure the effective implementation of the program.
He said the initiative will transform rural infrastructure and give villages a modern and improved outlook once completed.
