Funds will be used for provision of drinking water, roads and livestock development. PHOTO: FILE
Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Friday announced a Rs2.37 billion development package for Cholistan.
Addressing a public gathering in Bijnot, he said the funds would be used for provision of drinking water, construction of roads and development of livestock sector.
The chief minister also announced a land allotment scheme for the landless.
“The situation in Cholistan is under control… there is no immediate danger of a deep drought… some migration in the wheat harvest season is normal,” he said.
Shahbaz Sharif said he had dispatched several teams from Lahore to monitor the situation in Cholistan. “The teams are also providing immediate assistance to the people.”
Talking about the development projects, he said, “as many as 1,100 tobas (ponds) will be cleaned under a Rs600 million project... an 80-kilometre road will be constructed from Kadwala for Rs240 million.”
The chief minister said another road in Neelwala would be constructed for Rs300 million.
Sharif said Rs180 million had been released for the extension of a pipeline from Rasool Sar to Bijnot.
He said, “Rs150 million will be spent on a 25-kilometre pipeline from Derawar to Kandiwala… Rs180 million will be spent on a 30-kilometre pipeline from Dhori to Bhanowala and Rs8 million on a pipeline from Moj Garh to Chapanwala.”
The chief minister said Rs70 million had been released for maintenance of roads, Rs205 million for provision of veterinary medicines and livestock vaccination.
He said an additional 250 cusec canal water would be provided in Cholistan.
Shahbaz Sharif said land would be allotted to those who do now own land under a new scheme. “The process of allotting lands will be completely transparent.”
He directed the provincial secretaries concerned to visit Cholistan twice a week and directed the chief secretary to pay a visit every 10 days.
The chief minister also met the villagers and heard them about their problems. He said he would again visit Cholistan in 10 days and review the progress of the projects.
“Strict action will be taken against officials found negligent,” he added.
Earlier Commissioner Capt (r) Asadullah Khan briefed the chief minister on Cholistan’s situation. Minster for Cooperatives Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar, MPA Khalid Mahmood Jajja, Chief Secretary Naveed Akram Cheema and secretaries of different departments were also present on the occasion.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 22nd, 2014.
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