PIDA to introduce participatory irrigation system

With an estimated cost of Rs 440 million, Punjab Irrigation and Drainage Authority (PIDA) has chalked out a special plan to introduce participatory irrigation system in the province by constituting Canal Panchait System within next three months.
Shafqat Masood, General Manager, PIDA said this while briefing the Lahore based newsmen who visited pilot project areas of participatory irrigation system in various villages of Farooqabad District Sheikhupura on Wednesday.
According to him, pilot project launched by PIDA for handing over control of management of canals to the farmers of respective areas, has started yielding fruitful results, as water related conflicts and water theft cases in the selected areas have reduced significantly.
He said that Punjab government has planned to constitute 158 canal panchaits during current year out of which around 126 panchayats have already been constituted.
A number of canal panchayats, which were monitoring the management of canal system since last year will be, provided total control of these canals during next few months, and contract in this regard is being finalised.
The farmers have been provided special training in this regard, he said.
'The government is committed to give control of the canals to the water users. Donor agencies, which are appreciating the performance of Punjab Irrigation and Drainage Authority in this regard would be ready to finance this project', he said.
He said that members of watercourse panchayat and canal panchayat are being elected through elections.
To a question, he said that Punjab Irrigation and Drainage Authority is using funds in a cost effective way by using its own resources and staff instead of spending huge cost on consultants.
He said that out of total cost of pilot project, which was Rs 190 million, PIDA has so far spent Rs 60 million.
After handing over the canal system to farmers, the surplus staff of irrigation department would be utilised on other official assignments, he said.
Shahbir Ahmad, President, Canal Panchayat Ghore Door, District Sheikhupura and Muhammad Sidique, President, Canal Panchayat Kaghar, District Sheikhupura said on the occasion that participatory irrigation system has yielded good results and water has started reaching to the tail end.