Government gives nod to feasibility of 14 small dams

CM says huge quantity of rainwater will be saved in reservoirs

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has approved to initiate feasibility plan pertaining to the construction of small dams to store rainwater in the Koh-e-Suleiman Range.

Sources said soon the construction of 14 small dams will be started with the help of foreign and local experts.

In the first phase, experts have so far completed their survey to construct small dams at the selected places. A briefing has also been given to Buzdar on the matter and he was informed that this move will lead to resolving the water shortage at Koh Suleiman. Chief Minister Buzdar has approved that work should be started to prepare feasibility and engineering study for the small dams.

Addressing a meeting after the briefing given to him, the chief minister said rainwater was wasted every year in the rivers. “It is very important to preserve this water and use it. We have completed the identification of 14 places for the construction of small dams in Koh-e-Sulaiman. In the first phase, construction of small dams at five places will be started immediately. These places are Haathi Mar, Jalebi Mor, Fazila Chowki and Fort Munro where two dams will be constructed.

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The construction of these dams will not only overcome the damage during the rains but the construction of small dams would also provide water for the crops. The chief minister directed the authorities concerned to start work immediately at five places in Koh-e-Sulaiman Range.

After preparing the feasibility plan of the dams, the Punjab government will immediately release the funds so that the construction could begin.

The shortage of water has not only made it difficult for the locals to make a living but will improve after this decision by the government.

In the meantime, the officials also said that the water wastes due to the rains in the summer and winter, but now, according to the research of small dam experts, places are being constructed where the precious water is being lost.

Apart from this, the water level in the area will also be improved allowing farming in the area.

Punjab Chief Minister Buzdar was informed that the construction of the dams would be done at the aforementioned places once the feasibility was completed.

Sources in the Planning and Development department said the government's priority was to resolve the issue immediately. Later, the government will provide the funds. The funds have been kept in the current fiscal year's budget to tackle the water problem.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th, 2020.