LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has ordered for start on Greater Thal Canal Project, which would irrigate barren lands of Layyah, Bhakkar, Jhang, Muzaffargarh and Khushab.

While presiding over a meeting at his office, the CM said that work on the canal system's restoration should be expedited as it would help increase agricultural productivity.

He directed that the land acquisition process should be completed on a priority basis and asked the commissioner concerned to immediately complete the survey.

The land rates should be identified on merit and the landowners be transparently paid the price of lands, he added.

The one-window operation should employed for payment of lands, he said adding that the Asian Development Bank would provide $150 million assistance for the project.

The CM said the Forest Department should be provided alternate land in lieu of its acquired land.

The Punjab cabinet would give final approval of financial matters of Greater Thal Canal project, he added.

Provincial Irrigation Minister Mohsin Leghari, Chief Secretary, Chairman P&D and SMBR attended the meeting while Commissioner Sargodha and DC Layyah participated through video link.