BAHAWALPUR: The Punjab government is examining a proposal to install Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration plants for desalination of brackish water to meet the shortage of drinking water for the populace of Cholistan.

This was stated by Divisional Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar who, along with Deputy Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathiya, visited Cholistan in connection with this proposal after the nod of the provincial government.

During the recent visit of Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz Sharif here, the burning issue of unavailability of drinking water to the inhabitants and their livestock in the vast desert in the harsh summer season was discussed. The of ficials proposed saline water treatment to ensure availability of drinking water for the people and the cattle they rear.

The chief minister asked the administration to go ahead with the plan. The commissioner and his team visited the far-flung areas including Toba Aaki, Sheikhwala toba, Dadhawala toba, QilaRukanpura and Karaiwala toba in Cholistan.

A handout said the commissioner inspected the activities in the desert regarding the installation of RO filtration plants at 34 places, water sampling and the existing water supply lines in various parts of the desert.

An RO plant may cost Rs25 million and 34 RO plants will be installed to cater to the drinking water requirement of a population of 15,000 people.

Besides, 250,000 cattle can have water.

The deputy commissioner told Dawn that the administration was preparing the feasibility report of the installation of 34 ROs and submit it to the provincial government for approval. The plants would be installed in Cholistan`s four union councils` jurisdiction comprising Yazman area (20), Liaquatpur, 10, and Fort Abbas, 4.

The total cost of the cost of 34 RO plants is expected to be Rs850 million but the administration has demanded Rs350 million for now for installation of some plants. The Cholistan Development Authority will execute the scheme which may be part of ADP 2022-23.