SARGODHA: The Punjab government has approved a mega project of a sewer system worth Rs14 billion for Sargodha city.

Under the project, a modern sewer system will be developed which will not only meet the current needs but will also be sufficient for the growing population of the city by 2050.

Commissioner Sargodha Division Jahanzeb Awan and Deputy Commissioner retired Capt Muhammad Waseem were given a detailed briefing by Wasa MD Azizullah Khan about the project.

The meeting was informed that under the project, 161-km of old sewerage lines will be replaced while 26-km of new lines will be laid. The project also includes upgrade of old disposal stations, construction of new disposals and provision of modern machinery to Wasa.

Commissioner Jahanzeb Awan said the biggest problem of Sargodha is the sewerage and the approval of this project is a major success for the citizens. He said the project would be monitored strictly and no compromise would be made on quality.

He directed that no area of the city should be left out and the project should be completed within the stipulated time.

The commissioner said he himself would continue to convene regular meetings to review the progress on the project.

It was further informed that the implementation of the project would be under the supervision of Director General Wasa Punjab at the provincial level, while the responsibility of monitoring the project at the local level has been entrusted to Wasa Sargodha.

MD Wasa Azizullah Khan said during the briefing that the agency has prepared another mega project for the provision of clean drinking water, which will soon be approved by the Punjab government.

OPERATION: A grand operation was launched under the supervision of the assistant commissioner to clear the city of encroachments after the establishment of Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera) in Sargodha.

According to sources, Pera force, led by Assistant Commissioner Shirin Gul, demolished the encroachments at Chak 46. Owing to heavy traffic at Chak 46 SB area on the Sargodha-Faisalabad Road, there was a risk of traffic accidents where the encroachments on the highway obstructed the flow of traffic due to which ambulances and rescue vehicles faced inconvenience.

Shirin Gul said zero tolerance policy is being strictly followed and no one will be allowed to occupy roads or government lands. She said during the operation, dozens of illegal shops, structures and rickshaw stands were removed and all shopkeepers and residents were given a stern warning that legal action would be taken in case of future encroachments.

MoU: The University of Sargodha has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rotary Club Sargodha to collaborate on promoting environmental sustainability and community development.

The agreement was signed by Director ORIC Prof. Dr. Ahmad Raza Bilal and President Rotary Club Mukhtar Mirza at a ceremony attended by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood Sarwar Awan and senior officials from both institutes.

The partnership aims to promote environmental stewardship by encouraging sustainable practices and responsible management of natural resources.

It also seeks to enhance community engagement through initiatives related to education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and social welfare, alongside environmental conservation.

Under the agreement, Rotary Club Sargodha will provide free-of-cost plants for UoS plantation drives, and both institutes will jointly organise seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns on environmental and social issues.

They will also work closely in identifying and implementing social development programmes, while promoting academic collaborations and disseminating research findings through their platforms.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2025