Balochistan govt to raise water theft issue with Sindh

CM says a parliamentary group led by him would meet CM Shah to address the issue

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani presided over a meeting of ministers to review water issues harming the province’s green and agricultural belt.

The meeting expressed concerns over lack of water availability in Naseerabad due to theft by Sindh government that has been destroying agricultural land in Balochistan.

CM Alyani decided that a parliamentary group under his supervision would meet Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to address the issue on urgent basis.

Former Balochistan chief minister and MPA Mir Jan Muhammad Jamali, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Water Resources Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind, provincial ministers Nawabzada Tariq Magsi, Umar Khan Jamali, Meer Saleem Khosa and Meer Muhammad Khan Lehri were also in attendance.

Briefing the session over water flow in Kirthar and Pat Feeder Canals, officials from irrigation department said that Balochistan had been facing shortage of 900 cusecs water, which has increased agricultural woes for the province.

“We have not been receiving the water share from Sindh due to water thefts and mud that has been disturbing the flow toward Balochistan,” they said.

“Balochistan government will ensure provision of all necessary resources in order to address the water issue for Naseerabad, while commissioner of the division will be the focal person who would take into confidence all farmers regarding government decisions,” Alyani said.

Balochistan government has decided to embark re-modeling and desilting Pat Feeder Canal, while directed irrigation department to present plans for the projects.

The meeting agreed to shift Kirthar Canal’s regulatory system in Balochistan.

The provincial government approved two structures at Kachhi and Pat Feeder Canals and decided to approach federal government to commence construction on Phase 2 and 3 of Kachhi Canal.

Quetta beautification

The chief minister also inaugurated the newly-constructed expansion to the Quetta Airport Road and pledged to continue taking steps to ensure that Quetta returns to its past glory through beautification projects.

The Rs223 million worth project includes new street lights, pavements and a green belt along with the expansion and repair of the road.

“The expanded airport road will ensure smooth traffic flow on one of Quetta’s busiest thoroughfares along with increasing the beauty of the city,” Kamal said.

He also inspected other projects including the ongoing construction and expansion of several other thoroughfares.

There, the chief minister spoke to shopkeepers and residents of the areas where construction was taking place, and also solicited their opinion on the quality of material used in the expansion of the Joint Road.

Kamal said that the project regarding road expansion and beautification of Quetta city would continue under the Quetta Development Package, while the provincial government had also earmarked a sizeable amount in that regard.

Health claim reimbursement

The CM approved amendments in provincial government’s health reimbursement claims policy, allowing the health department director general to approve medical claims of Rs50,000 for government employees and their families.

The department’s secretary has been granted the power to approve medical claims of Rs100,000, while the chief secretary could approve medical claims of upto Rs2 million. Any claims higher than that amount would be directly approved by the chief minister.

A summary seeking amendments in the provincial government health reimbursement policy was submitted by the health department, which was approved by the CM.

The summary was moved in order to address the medical claims of government employees on immediate level.

August 14 celebrations

Kamal said the provincial government has decided to dedicate Independence Day celebrations to people of Kashmir. He urged people to say special prayers for Kashmiris at Eidul Azha.

The CM was chairing a meeting to review security arrangements during the August 14 celebrations in Balochistan. Commissioners from all divisions participated in the meeting through video link.

The CM directed government departments to celebrate August 14 with full zeal and fervour and said the provincial government is taking full security measures for Eid and the Independence Day.

Discussing measure to ensure cleanliness during Eid, Kamal directed authorities to establish committees for collection and disposal of offal from across the city also asked the livestock department to install cameras at all cattle markets.

“Field officers of all departments would be held answerable as the government won’t tolerate any negligence in maintaining cleanliness during Eid,” Kamal said.

He announced that the provincial government would hold ceremonies and cultural functions on August 14

The chief minister directed divisional commissioners to maintain peace in their areas during Eid and August 14. He said from August 11 till August 15 emergency would be declared at all government hospitals and medical staff and doctors would perform their duties. The meeting agreed that all commissioners should visits their divisions regularly to review progress on development projects.