QUETTA, Sep 14 (APP): In a significant development for progress and prosperity in Balochistan, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has inaugurated Kachhi Canal Project at the site located in Dera Bugti district on Thursday.
The Kachhi Canal project after completion would irrigate 72,000 acres of barren yet cultivable land in the far-flung and backward areas of Dera Bugti.
With the completion of Kachhi Canal (Phase-I), water infrastructure and irrigated agriculture have achieved a land mark. Work on Kachhi Canal project, started 15 years ago, and was almost an abandoned project owing to gross cost overrun and long delays.
However, the project was revitalized due to active support of the federal government and commitment of WAPDA. The project has now finally been completed with a cost of about Rs80 billion.
The 363 kilometesr long main canal (out of which 351 kilometers is lined canal) takes off from Taunsa Barrage to irrigate virgin land in Dera Bugti district of Balochistan province.
Discharge capacity of the main canal is 6,000 cusecs water. As many as 914 structures have been constructed.
Kachhi Canal is a vital project to ensure economic development and social uplift in the remote areas of Balochistan by promoting agriculture and agro-based economy. With completion of Kachhi Canal Project, Balochistan will be able to draw its share of water from the Indus River System thereby enabling the local residents to cultivate their lands and accrue economic benefits.
APP/ Hamza/mka/ VNS Islamabad
