The Punjab government has made the installation of rainwater harvesting systems mandatory for all new construction projects across the province, in a significant step towards environmental sustainability.

According to an official notification issued by Environment Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh, the move is aimed at promoting efficient water management and conservation amid growing concerns over water scarcity.

23 project categories now require water harvesting system

As per the new directive, no construction work will be approved without incorporating a rainwater harvesting system in the project’s design and operational plan. This condition has been applied to a wide range of industrial, commercial, and public sectors, covering 23 different types of projects, including:

Poultry and fish farms
Petroleum refineries
Textile and garment manufacturing units
Food industry, flour mills, rice mills, ghee and oil mills
Cement plants and sugar mills
Chemical and pharmaceutical industries
Paper mills and fertilizer units
Petrol pumps and housing societies
Commercial buildings, hotels, and marriage halls
Airports and educational institutions
Bus stands and wagon stands

Designs will be scrutinised for compliance

The Environment Department will thoroughly examine the planning, design, and functionality of the proposed rainwater harvesting systems before granting construction approvals. The aim is to ensure that all new developments contribute to sustainable water practices by collecting, storing, and utilizing rainwater efficiently.

Immediate implementation ordered

The environment DG has directed that the order be implemented with immediate effect, making it a binding requirement for both public and private sector developers in Punjab.

Step toward climate resilience

Environmental experts have hailed the decision as a proactive step to mitigate the effects of climate change and urban water stress. With rapid urbanization and declining groundwater levels in major cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi, the rainwater harvesting system is expected to play a crucial role in water conservation.