KARACHI: Federal government will construct 20 small dams in Balochistan to save the flood water for irrigation and damages caused by flood.

The construction of 20 small dams is part of the plan to construct 100 dams in the province. The construction of 20 dams in Package-III will cost Rs 8.877 billion.

The Package-III envisaged the construction of 20 small to medium dams in Balochistan. The objectives of the project are in consonance with the objectives of the sector which are inter alia, to harness flood flows for direct irrigation, ground water recharge, agriculture development and poverty alleviation through environmentally acceptable and sustainable projects.

Besides the above objectives, the project will also be instrumental in protecting the downstream areas from flashy floods. In addition, the project will also increase the crop yield in existing irrigation areas.

The dams will also provide drinking water to the population and livestock of the adjoining areas. The project will also go a long way in improving the health and socio-economic conditions of the populations in the area. It would also supply about 125.5 million m3 of conserved flood water for direct irrigation and drinking purposes and will benefit about 58,500 acres (23,684 hectares) of fertile land.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020