Punjab Irrigation Minister Amir Sultan Cheema has stressed the need for conducting quality research for improving the standard of various irrigation projects in the province.
He stated this while talking to the Lahore based journalists who visited Hydraulic Research Station Nandipur (Gujranwala) on Tuesday.
He said that prestigious institute at Nandipur, which was established in 1924, is presently being used for physical testing of irrigation related development projects. The studies conducted at this station are being recognised in various countries of the world, he added.
The minister averred that it was for the first time in the history of the province that the Punjab government had initiated a number of mega projects in irrigation sector, due to which Hydraulic Research Station Nandipur has been improved and upgraded.
"We are also planning to construct 13 small dams and work on five out of these have taken off," he added".
Dilating on Research Station capacity he said that it possessed testing and analysing capacity of 22 projects, however currently the Establishment is providing research for 27 projects including Mangla Raising, Mirani Dam, Satbara Dam and Bhasha Dam.
Cheema dilating on financial aspect of the key research facility said that it was being run on self-finance basis, he added. He said that Punjab government has allocated funds for the expansion of training station facilities of the Project.
Responding to a question, he said that as per latest estimates, around 56 to 57 percent shortage of water was expected during current Rabi season and added that government has decided to close some canals from September 30, 2004, if required.
Punjab Minister said that in case of reducing water level to 4 MAF, its supply would be flow in the prescribed sequence. He said that in order to ensure efficient use of water for cotton as well as rice crop, Punjab Irrigation Department was devising comprehensive irrigation plan in consultation of farmers and water experts.
To another question, he said that unprecedented shortage of water has highlighted the need of construction of new water reservoirs. Referring to Kalabagh Dam, he averred that construction of this dam was to be decided by the Federal Government.
He said that Punjab government keeping in view water shortage in the Country has recommended to the Federal Government to start work on at least three water reservoirs, simultaneously. He hoped that federal government keeping in view the problems of farmers and shortage of water would take an appropriate, consensus based decision in this regard, he added.
Sardar Ihsanullah Chief Engineer Research, Punjab Irrigation Department also spoke the occasion.
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