Lahore’s first large-scale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) has received approval from the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP). The Rs. 50.2 billion project, backed by France’s Agence Française de Développement (AFD), will now move to the federal government for final clearance from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec).
A Long-Stalled Project Finally Moves Forward
Officials confirmed that the Babu Sabu WWTP will be developed on 836 acres near the Lahore–Islamabad Motorway. Originally proposed in the early 1990s, the scheme faced repeated delays despite the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) acquiring land for it in 1992–93.
“This is not just an infrastructure project; it is a lifeline for Lahore’s environment,” Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said, describing the initiative as part of her government’s environment-friendly policies.
Once operational, the facility will treat sewage before it flows into the Ravi River, reducing water contamination that has threatened public health and the city’s ecosystem for decades.
Project Capacity and Design
According to WASA Lahore, the first phase will treat 88 million gallons per day (MGD), with future expansion to 198 MGD. Sewage from central Lahore, including waste from Cantt Drain, Multan Road, and Gulshan-i-Ravi pumping stations, will be processed.
The project will be built under a Design, Build, and Operate (DBO) model. Advanced technology will be used for sludge treatment, odor control, and biogas generation — making it a sustainable wastewater management solution for the provincial capital.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Total cost: Rs. 50.2 billion (previous estimates Rs. 81.7 billion)
- Funding partner: Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
- Land acquired: 836 acres near Motorway
- Capacity: 88 MGD initially, expandable to 198 MGD
- Implementation model: Design, Build, Operate (DBO)
- Objective: Reduce Ravi River pollution, improve urban sanitation
Why It Matters for Lahore
For years, untreated sewage has been discharged into the Ravi River, worsening water quality and spreading disease. The project is expected to ease environmental pressure on Lahore, which produces millions of gallons of wastewater daily.
Urban planners and environmentalists have long called for urgent intervention. Experts believe the plant will not only improve water quality but also support ecological sustainability through biogas utilization and energy recovery.
Next Steps
The PDWP has cleared the project, but final approval lies with Ecnec, which will assess funding arrangements and execution timelines. A project management unit has already been established to oversee implementation.
Officials expect work to begin shortly after Ecnec’s nod, with construction and operations handled under strict sustainability guidelines.
Local and International Backing
France’s AFD is financing the initiative, making it one of the most significant international partnerships in Punjab government projects. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has also expressed interest in supporting wastewater management in Lahore, signaling growing international confidence in Pakistan’s urban development plans.
