Karachi: The government will review the PKR 211.399 billion Cholistan Canal and Systems Phase-I project during today’s Central Development Working Party (CDWP) meeting, as reported on September 20.
However, the project has faced objections from the Sindh government, which has raised concerns about the potential impact on water availability. Sindh officials have emphasized the necessity of increasing water supplies before proceeding with the canal’s construction. They argue that without sufficient water, the canal could exacerbate existing shortages.
Punjab’s stance is that the Cholistan Canal would utilise floodwater for four months of the year, with additional water sourced from within Punjab during the remaining months. However, Sindh officials have expressed their unwillingness to accept this proposal without assurances of increased water availability.
The conflicting positions between the provinces highlight the ongoing challenges related to water management and resource allocation in Pakistan. As the CDWP prepares to deliberate on the project, the outcome will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future water-related initiatives and interprovincial relations.
The meeting’s discussions are expected to include assessments of the project’s potential benefits and impacts, along with Sindh’s conditions for approval. Stakeholders from various sectors are eager to see how the government balances developmental needs with provincial concerns.
