CM Balochistan constitutes panel to oversee water projects

Jam Kamal khan says after completion of new dams, province would be able to store more water

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal has directed authorities to constitute a joint coordination committee in order to monitor water projects in the province.

Kamal issued this instruction on Tuesday while chairing a meeting called to review water projects for Balochistan under the federal Public Sector Development Program (PSDP).

Addressing the meeting, the CM said the provincial government has been utilising all resources to meet water need.  He said after completion of new dams with the federal government’s fund, the province would be able to store more water for agricultural needs.

“Due to lack of dams, millions of cusecs of rainwater is wasted but adequate dams on suitable locations would help us store more water for the province. The provincial government is closely monitoring implementation of water projects for Balochistan under the federal PSDP.”

He said Mangi Dam would end water scarcity in Quetta while Kachi Canal would ensure provision of water for green belt of Balochistan. “Agriculture is the backbone of provincial economy. Therefore, we have been working on projects to turn vast areas of Balochistan into agricultural land.”

The chief minister later directed authorities to form a joint coordination committee in order to monitor water projects. Earlier, Federal Secretary for Water Muhammad Ashraf briefed the meeting.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed Ministry of Water to ensure timely completion of water projects for Balochistan in order to fulfill water needs of the province.

The federal government has included 65 water projects for Balochistan in federal PSDP. These projects include 35 new and 30 ongoing schemes. The Centre has allocated Rs54,352.40 million for 35 new schemes while Rs161,092.16 million for ongoing schemes.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2019.