Lahore: The Federal Government has invited suggestions from the Punjab government to irrigate 90,000 acres of agricultural land in Gujrat and Kharian via Mangla-Marala Link Canal in Mirpur Azad Kashmir, a news source reported. Once the provincial government shares its suggestions, the federal government will reportedly apply for an NOC from the Indus River Authority.
The planned link from the Mangla-Marala Canal will save the agriculture sector of the mentioned cities in case India blocks rivers and streams heading to Pakistan via Indian Occupied Kashmir.
As per the PC-1 prepared for the project, the proposed canal will be developed in 10 years’ time. The 19-kilometre long canal plus its 99 kilometer-long tunnel system will start from Bhong in Azad Kashmir and reach all the way to River Jhelum. It will have a water discharge capacity of 430 cusecs.
The planned canal will provide water to 203 smaller canals and water channels and it will be made operational within three months. The canal will also address the water shortfall concerns of Sindh.
As per sources, the federal government will sanction the funds for this project.
