A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held at the office of the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) to formalize a strategic partnership with WWF-Pakistan to implement and expand the innovative Floating Wetlands Project in Punjab.
The collaboration builds upon PMDFC’s successful track record in implementing floating wetlands-based wastewater treatment systems in Sheikhupura, Rajanpur, and Kasur. These projects demonstrated that floating wetlands offer a practical, environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to conventional wastewater treatment systems.
In addition to these successfully completed projects, PMDFC recently piloted a first-of-its-kind initiative in Punjab to treat sewage flowing through an open drain (Hudiyara Drain, Lahore) using floating wetland technology. The pilot showcased the potential of nature-based solutions to significantly improve water quality, reduce foul odor, and mitigate environmental hazards in densely populated urban areas.
Floating wetlands function through specially selected aquatic plants that absorb nutrients, heavy metals, and other harmful pollutants from wastewater. The plant root systems create a natural biofilm that supports beneficial microorganisms, which further break down contaminants. This nature-based treatment model requires minimal energy input and maintenance compared to conventional treatment plants, making it particularly suitable for scalable deployment across Punjab’s cities.
PMDFC also highlighted its ongoing efforts to enhance treatment efficiency by integrating aeration systems and especially cultured bacteria into floating wetland installations. These improvements are being developed in collaboration with international experts and aim to accelerate the removal of hazardous components from wastewater.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to scale up innovative, low-cost, and eco-friendly wastewater treatment solutions across the province.
The WWF-Pakistan delegation was led by Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General/CEO, and included Sohail Ali Naqvi, Dr. Masood Arshad, Arjmand Qayyum Amjad, and Maham Zahara. From PMDFC, the ceremony was led by Syed Zahid Aziz, MD, along with Mahmood Masood Tamana, GM (ID), Moazzam Jameel Malik, SPO (ID), and Muhammad Nauman Azhar, DM (ID).
