Punjab Minister for Irrigation, Dilavar Abbass has said the participation of farmers in irrigation management has resulted in marked decrease in water theft cases. He was talking to representative of FOs of Upper Gugera Canal Division. The Minister said the performance of FOs is a testament to the fact that they have been performing without any political concerns and a positive impact of the farmers’ participation in system is the resolution of long standing water disputes.
Secretary Irrigation & Power Department Mr Arif Nadeem informed that Rs 16 billion are being spent on the rehabilitation and modernization of Lower Chenab Canal System (LCC). He said as a result of the department’s various development initiatives the water availability situation at the tail end reaches of the system has improved and water distribution has become equitable and transparent. He urged on the farmers to participate in the irrigation management transfer process and manage their channel through mutual understanding. Secretary further informed that FOs’ share in the water charge (abiana) has been raised from 40% to 50% so that they could spend more on the maintenance of their canals. Answering a question about the remodeling of LCC project, the Secretary said a consultant has been engaged to monitor the project and ensure the quality of work.
On this occasion, representatives of Nialianwala distributary, Inuana, Qabarwala, Bhaun, Sharaqpur, Rodi, High Level Channel and Mohlan FOs shared the progress of their organizations with the Minister and informed him about the problems they were facing. Earlier Chief Engineer Irrigation Faisalabad Zone gave a briefing to the Minister on development activities on LCC and Director Vigilance Brig. (Retd) Ahmad Abbass briefed the Minister about the ongoing activities of PIDA. The briefing was also attended by GM (TM), Muhammad Aslam Qureshi and GM (OP), PIDA Muhammad Ashraf Khan Niazi, Deputy GM (SM), PIDA Shaiq Hussain Abidi, senior officers of Irrigation, media representative and farmers of the area.
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