Annual canals desilting, rehabilitation campaign in full swing in KP

PESHAWAR: Annual desilting and rehabilitation of canals campaign is in full swing across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The campaign was inaugurated by KP Minister for Irrigation Riaz Khan at Shami Road Peshawar. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Member Provincial Assembly Mian Sharfat Ali Khan, Secretary Irrigation Abdul Basit, senior officials of the Irrigation Department, and other concerned officers.

On the occasion officials of the Irrigation Department gave a detailed briefing to the Provincial Minister on the ongoing desilting as well as maintenance and rehabilitation projects. During the briefing it was informed that the Irrigation Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of a 4,060-kilometre-long canal system across the province.

Under the current campaign 2,030 kilometers of canals, representing 50 percent of the total canal network, are being desilted. An amount of Rs 441.27 million has been allocated for the desilting campaign.

The officials further informed that Rs 285.64 million has been allocated for the repair of canal embankments, lining, and other related structures; Rs 89.63 million for the rehabilitation of tube wells and lift irrigation schemes (electrical and mechanical works) and Rs 83.47 million for flood protection and drainage-related works.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Provincial Minister Riaz Khan said that the Irrigation Department is maintaining a vital infrastructure comprising canals, distribution systems, head works, tube wells, lift irrigation schemes, and flood protection structures across the province. This infrastructure irrigates more than 2.5 million acres of agricultural land, providing livelihoods to farmers and forming the foundation of the province’s food security.

He stated that the campaign has been launched in a comprehensive manner in line with the special directives and vision of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi.

He added that every year, during canal closures from January to February, desilting, strengthening of embankments, and structural repair works are carried out under the maintenance and rehabilitation program to ensure uninterrupted water supply during the cultivation season.

The Provincial Minister clarified that the purpose of desilting is to restore the water-carrying capacity of canals, reduce water losses, and ensure equitable water delivery to tail-end farmers.

He explained that the silt removed from canals is temporarily placed along canal banks for two to three days and is then disposed of in accordance with the prescribed procedures, while ensuring full compliance with environmental standards and safety regulations.

Riaz Khan said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is fully committed to modernizing the canal system, further improving maintenance standards, and meeting environmental requirements.

He directed that all development and maintenance works be completed transparently, timely, and in accordance with approved standards, and warned that no negligence or laxity would be tolerated.

He added that these measures are an important step toward better water management in the province, increased agricultural productivity, and sustainable solutions to farmers’ problems.

He reaffirmed that the Irrigation Department will take every possible step for public welfare to ensure the provision of real facilities to the people. He further stated that the provincial government believes in resolving public issues and is utilizing all available resources for this purpose.

He emphasized that the Irrigation Department will carry out development works across all sectors of the province without discrimination, ensuring equal facilities for all citizens.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026