Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, has said that effective measures are being taken to check the damages caused by hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur areas and utilisation of their water for irrigation purposes, moreover, he said that an amount of Rs 1.14 billion has been allocated for this purpose.
He was presiding over a meeting regarding prevention of losses due to hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, and utilisation of their water for agri purposes here on Saturday, disclosed an official. He also said a comprehensive plan has been evolved with the co-operation of Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) involving a sum of Rs 6 billion for the improvement of DG Khan canal circle and an amount of Rs 520 million would be spent on this project this year.
He said USAID Programme is also finalising projects for improvement of irrigation system in these districts. 'The government is taking solid measures for the uplift of backward and less developed areas of the province, and development projects are being executed on priority basis in these areas for raising the standard of living of the people,' he added.
According to him, the Punjab government is chalking out a comprehensive plan to save the people and their property from the devastation caused by hill torrents and a number of projects are being executed on priority basis in these areas. Wapda would also spend an amount of Rs 500 million on hill torrents project this year.
He also issued instructions for reviewing the project of construction of a dam at Kaha hill torrent. He said meteorological department should also be contacted for the installation of a radar at Suleman Range for the provision of timely information to the people of the area about hill torrents in the interest of safety of their life and property.
He directed Secretary Irrigation to personally visit the areas of hill torrents in Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan, and ensure timely completion of ongoing development projects. He also ordered strict implementation of third-party audit system for ensuring transparency of all projects.
He issued instructions for considering setting up of a technical committee for the supervision of hill torrent projects in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur. On the occasion, Senior Advisor, Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa said huge funds have been utilised for improving hill torrents and irrigation system, which would help control devastation as well as increase agriculture production.
The Assembly members, while giving details of damages due to hill torrent, said losses of more than Rs 500 million were caused last year in Rajanpur due to Kaha hill torrent.
They said construction of concrete embankment besides projects of storage of water should also be reviewed for controlling devastation by hill torrents. Chairman, Planning and Development, Sami Saeed informed the meeting that a huge amount would be spent in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur from the funds allocated for improvement of irrigation network under Annual Development Programme. JICA and USAID were also extending co-operation for the improvement of irrigation system in these districts, he added.
Punjab Local Government Minister, Sardar Dost Muhammad Khan Khosa, Dr Asma Mamdoot, MPA; Sardar Atif Hussain Khan Mazari, Sardar Fateh Muhammad Khan Buzdar, Sardar Sher Ali Khan Gorchani, Sardar Hasam-ud-Din Khan Khosa, Secretary Irrigation, Secretary Housing, Commissioner Dera Ghazi Khan, DCOs Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan and concerned officers were also present in the meeting.
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