The Punjab government is looking forward to a project to modernize the country’s irrigation system, with the World Bank contributing Rs. 68 billion.
According to the project’s details, it aims to save one million acre-feet (MAF) of water annually for agricultural purposes and will benefit directly over 1.3 million farming families in the province.
The five-year plan has been dubbed a “revolutionary programmed for sustainable agriculture development.
World Bank will provide over Rs. 45 billion in funding for this?project, which will not only compensate for the effects that climate change has on agriculture but will also increase agricultural output by 25% and save 20% of water.
Further details revealed that high-efficiency irrigation systems will be installed on 40,000 acres and solar systems on 20,000 acres, creating jobs for 5,000 youth.
The spokesman said that the project will improve the water distribution mechanism, significantly improving the country’s agricultural sector and sustainable development.
Moreover, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has funded two significant water supply projects in Rawalpindi that are nearing completion.
The projects comprise the Chahan Dam and a new water supply network from Rawal Lake’s treatment plant to Rawalpindi.
ADB has also begun a feasibility study for the Darocha Dam project, which is part of the bank’s Rs. 28 billion loan funding for three initiatives aimed at guaranteeing the long-term supply of drinking water in the garrison city.
The Chahan Dam project, when completed, will cost Rs. 17 billion and increase the daily water supply from 6 to 12 million gallons.
The new pipeline from Rawal Lake’s treatment plant to WASA’s water supply diversion on 6th Road will boost the present daily water supply of 23 million gallons daily to 28 million gallons per day, putting an end to the difficult situation WASA has faced in meeting the city’s demand.