Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA) is preparing to introduce a policy that would make the installation of groundwater recharge wells compulsory for all newly constructed residential buildings across the province. The initiative is aimed at restoring rapidly declining groundwater reserves, improving long term water sustainability, and reducing the risk of groundwater contamination.
According to WASA Director General Tayyab Fareed, the proposed regulations have been drafted and will be presented for formal approval during the authority’s upcoming meeting. If approved, the policy will require developers and homeowners to incorporate recharge wells into the design of all new residential construction projects.
Recharge wells are designed to channel rainwater into underground aquifers, helping replenish depleted groundwater reserves while reducing surface runoff and supporting sustainable urban water management. Officials believe the measure will play a key role in addressing Punjab’s growing water challenges, particularly in rapidly expanding urban areas where groundwater extraction continues to outpace natural replenishment.
The proposal forms part of the provincial government's broader strategy to strengthen climate resilience, promote responsible water resource management, and secure reliable access to clean drinking water for future generations.
Director General Tayyab Fareed also highlighted the role of Punjab’s newly established WASA network, which now comprises 41 Water and Sanitation Agencies operating across the province. The expanded network has been tasked with improving drinking water supply, modernizing sanitation infrastructure, and implementing uniform standards for water resource management.
Officials believe that mandatory recharge wells, combined with improved water and sanitation services, will contribute to a more sustainable urban development model while helping mitigate the environmental impacts of rapid population growth and increasing pressure on Punjab’s groundwater resources.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (CBD Punjab) has announced that its flagship Quaid District and Bab District have become Pakistan’s first urban development to receive LEED for Communities Gold Precertification from the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), marking a significant milestone in the country’s sustainable urban development journey.
The internationally recognised precertification acknowledges the project’s master plan for meeting high standards of environmental sustainability, resilience, smart infrastructure, and quality of life. According to CBD Punjab, the recognition establishes a new benchmark for future ready urban communities and reinforces Punjab’s commitment to globally accepted development practices.
LEED for Communities is one of the world’s leading sustainability rating systems for cities and districts. It evaluates developments across multiple criteria, including environmental performance, transportation, energy efficiency, governance, public spaces, water management, and long term community wellbeing. Gold Precertification confirms that the project’s planning framework complies with international sustainability standards before construction is fully completed.
CBD Punjab stated that the Quaid and Bab Districts have been designed as integrated mixed use developments featuring smart mobility, green infrastructure, climate conscious planning, efficient resource management, and pedestrian friendly public spaces. The authority believes these features will support economic growth while improving environmental performance and urban livability.
CBD Punjab Chief Executive Officer Imran Amin described the achievement as a landmark moment for both the authority and Pakistan. He said the certification reflects the organisation’s vision of creating internationally competitive business districts that combine innovation, sustainability, and investment potential. He added that the development is intended to deliver lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits for future generations.
Officials said the recognition strengthens Punjab’s position as an emerging destination for sustainable urban investment and demonstrates that Pakistani developments can meet globally recognised planning and environmental standards. They added that the Quaid and Bab Districts are expected to serve as a model for future large scale urban projects across the country.
While the Gold Precertification represents an important international endorsement of the project’s planning and design, CBD Punjab noted that final LEED certification will be awarded after the development is completed and independently verified against GBCI’s sustainability performance requirements.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), widely known as CBD Punjab, has commissioned the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) to carry out a fresh technical and financial feasibility study for the Route 47 Solarisation Project, following recent changes in Pakistan’s electricity compensation framework.
The decision comes after the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) replaced the previous net metering mechanism with a net billing system. According to CBD Punjab, the regulatory change has significantly altered the financial assumptions on which the original project was designed, making it necessary to reassess the project's economic feasibility and investment outlook.
The Route 47 Solarisation Project was initially estimated to cost around PKR 135 million and was planned as part of CBD Punjab’s broader strategy to integrate renewable energy solutions into urban infrastructure. However, officials believe the revised electricity compensation model requires a fresh evaluation of the project's financial sustainability before implementation can proceed.
Under the new assignment, NESPAK will review the updated project cost, expected return on investment, operational savings, and long-term financial performance under the net billing regime. The study will also examine alternative implementation models and financing options to ensure the project remains commercially viable while supporting CBD Punjab’s environmental sustainability objectives.
Officials said the reassessment is intended to align the project with current regulatory requirements and evolving market conditions, ensuring that public investment delivers maximum economic and environmental benefits.
Once the feasibility study is completed, CBD Punjab will review NESPAK’s recommendations and decide on the most suitable implementation strategy. The authority will subsequently initiate a fresh procurement process based on the revised technical specifications, financial model, and project parameters.
The Route 47 Solarisation Project forms part of CBD Punjab’s wider vision of developing energy-efficient, climate-resilient urban infrastructure and promoting greater use of renewable energy in major public development projects across Lahore.