WASA installs 696 fire hydrants across Punjab

LAHORE: Water and sanitation agencies across Punjab have installed 696 fire hydrants in 41 districts over the past three months as part of a province-wide effort to improve fire response capacity, according to official sources.

The installation drive was initiated after the deadly fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza underscored the need for stronger firefighting infrastructure on the ground. Following that incident, the Punjab government directed that fire hydrants be set up at important commercial hubs and densely populated localities to support quicker emergency response.

Under the broader plan, more than 1,150 fire hydrants are to be installed across the province. Officials said Wasas have completed the installation of 696 hydrants, while the remaining units will be put in place by the Local Government Department.

According to officials, the hydrants have been installed at major markets and other locations considered vulnerable to fire incidents so that firefighting teams can respond without delay when emergencies occur. Rescue 1122 will operate the hydrants during fire emergencies.

Province-wide emergency preparedness plan

The move forms part of a wider push to strengthen urban safety systems and lower the risks linked to fire incidents in major cities and towns across Punjab. Officials said the hydrants were positioned strategically to improve access for emergency responders in high-risk areas.

To support operational preparedness, mock drills have also been held in coordination with Rescue 1122 in all 41 districts covered under the initiative. The exercises were aimed at helping response teams remain ready to use the infrastructure effectively in the event of a fire.

The official plan envisages a larger network of hydrants across Punjab, with Wasas and the Local Government Department sharing responsibility for implementation. The latest installations mark the first major phase of that effort, which authorities say is intended to improve emergency readiness in urban centres and busy commercial zones.

Officials said the initiative was designed to ensure that firefighting services have better on-site water access during emergencies, particularly in congested and high-density areas where rapid response is critical.

The development comes as the provincial authorities move to expand safety-related infrastructure in districts across Punjab, with the fire hydrant programme focusing on areas where the need for timely firefighting intervention is considered especially important.