CM Maryam vows to transform barren lands into economic zones under Blue Economy Programme

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Apr, 2026) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that barren lands across the province would be rehabilitated and converted into productive economic zones under the government’s Blue Economy Programme.

She said the initiative marks a major step towards promoting modern aquaculture, particularly shrimp farming, aimed at boosting exports, generating employment, and utilising unused land resources in a productive manner.

Chairing a review meeting on ongoing projects, here on Monday, the chief minister appreciated the pace of development work on shrimp farming projects at Sargodha Estate, Ali Wala, and Shah Garh.

Officials briefed that at the Sargodha project, spanning 500 acres, excavation of 118 ponds has been completed along with boring of 116 tube wells. Land clearance and survey work over 365 acres has been finalised, while construction of the warehouse is 90 percent complete and work on administrative and storage facilities is in progress.

For the Ali Wala shrimp estate, it was informed that 90 percent of the 1,267-acre site has been cleared. Excavation of 642 out of 737 ponds has been completed, while drainage systems and MDC drains have been fully developed.

Road network surveys and clearing have also been completed, with major progress in infrastructure development including offices, hostel, warehouse and labour residences.

At Shah Garh shrimp farm, officials reported 90 percent progress on water supply systems, 95 percent electrification, and 97 percent completion of access roads. Experts confirmed that environmental conditions, including water temperature, are suitable for shrimp cultivation, and feed and supplement management is yielding encouraging results in terms of quality and output.

CM Maryam Nawaz said the Blue Economy Programme is a landmark initiative that will introduce a modern scientific system for aquaculture in Punjab. She said the programme would not only help restore barren lands but also strengthen the province’s economic base through sustainable development.

She commended the project teams for their performance and reiterated that Punjab is being developed as a hub for modern aquaculture under her government’s economic vision.