Kachhi canal project has backbone status in agricultural economy of Balochistan, says Chief Minister

Independent Report

QUETTA: The Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti has stated that the Kachhi canal project has the backbone status in agricultural economy of the province.
He noted with concern that the supply of water is suspended for agricultural purposes to Balochistan due to destruction caused to the Phase-I during 2022 floods. As a result of non-supply of water, the zamindars and farmers are in mess and disappointed. Even the dwellers are also forced to migrate from the uncultivated command area of Kachhi canal due to the agricultural water, he regretfully pointed out adding he warned that no further delay would be tolerated in completion of the necessary work.
The Chief Minister was chairing a high level review meeting on the repair of Kachhi canal phase-I and construction work of the Phase-II here on Tuesday.
The Provincial Ministers Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi and Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani, Chief Secretary, Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Development, Hafiz Abdul Basit, administrative secretaries of different line departments, Project Directors and other concerned high ups were in attendance at the meeting.
The Irrigation Department authorities briefed the meeting about the Kachhi canal project in detail.
It was informed that the work is continued on repair of the Kachhi canal Phase-I, which otherwise was affected due to the 2022 floods.
However, it was informed that the water supply would be started to Balochistan after completing the repair work by November 15, 2024.
It was also informed that the feasibility report and necessary proceedings about the Phase-II have been completed and the work would be started soon after approval and release of funds from the competent authority.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister emphasized that we have to end the frustration and disappointment prevailing among the farmers about Kachhi canal project.
He directed to the concerned high ups to complete the vital project timely maintaining high standard. He also directed to make technical planning to stop leakage and wastage of water from the Kachhi canal.
He announced that the Chief Secretary would monitor progress of the Kachhi canal project.