Punjab Senior Minister Raja Riaz Ahmad has said that a mega-projects had been launched for the durable development and rehabilitation of Punjab Irrigation system and Rs 1.5 billion was being spent for the lining of the distributaries at canal Jhang branch.
He was addressing to a function after inauguration of development work of Saranwala distributary at Burj Mandi near Chak Jhumra. The 14.42 miles long Saranwala distributary is being cemented at a cost of Rs 144.96 million and work would be completed by the June 2010. Senior Minister said that Punjab govt was paying special attention to develop the irrigation system on modern scientific lines for the progress of agriculture sector.
He said that steps were being taken for safeguarding the available irrigation water and its fair distribution to the farmers. He announced that all the water distributaries in tehsil Chak Jhumra would be cemented for the provision of irrigation water to the farmers located at the tail end. He said that the agriculture department would be motivated for the brick lining of the watercourses of the area.
He asked the farmers to keep vigilant eye on the canal water stealers and to supervise the process of canal development projects for its durable and defect free completion. He directed the officers of Irrigation department to monitor the development for ensuring quality construction and its timely completion.
Earlier, Chief Engineer Irrigation Zakaullah Bhatti briefed the Senior Minister about the progress of development of Saranwala distributary and other proposed uplift schemes for the strengthening and rehabilitation of canal system. MPA Haji Liaqat Ali Nazar and Farmers Organisation President Alamgir Tiwana thanked the Senior Minister for initiating the canal development project in the constituency PP-51.