Quetta: Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister (CM) Ali Mardan Khan Domki, in his recent meeting, has emphasized the urgent need for early completion of 100 small dams in the province, a news source reported on September 7.
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The meeting discussed the persistent water scarcity issue and the transformation of barren lands into cultivable ones. In attendance at the meeting were Advisor to the Chief Minister on Irrigation Mir Danish Langau, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development, and Secretary Finance.
Secretary Irrigation Hafiz Abdul Majid provided a comprehensive briefing on the progress of dam construction across the province, the remodelling of the Pat Feeder Canal, and the expansion of the Kachhi Canal project. Notably, the extension of the Kachhi Canal and the remodelling of the Pat Feeder Canal are expected to bring approximately 800,000 additional acres of barren land under cultivation.
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Furthermore, the CM underscored the pressing need to increase water storage capacity, emphasizing the importance of preserving water resources while relying less on groundwater for agricultural purposes. He expressed the provincial government’s commitment to enhancing underground water levels and resolving water availability challenges within Balochistan.