The government of Punjab would launch "Lower Bari Doab Canal Improvement Project" in near future with the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank with the cost of $200 million.
According to sources in Punjab Irrigation and Power Department, the project will provide rehabilitation and upgrading for the Lower Bari Doab Canal System and rehabilitate infrastructure from the headwork of the Baloki Barrage to the minor canals in Punjab as well as address on-farm water management activities and groundwater management.
The project seeks to promote economic growth, increase farm incomes and improve resource and sustainability through enhanced productivity of irrigated agriculture and improved management of Punjab's water resources. The project components includes:
-- Rehabilitation and upgrading of Balloki Barrage, including the Lower Bari Doab Canal (LBDC) and BS Link Canal head regulators.
-- Rehabilitation and upgrading of the LBDC main canal and appurtenant structures as well as branch, distributary and minor canals comprising the LBDC distribution system.
-- To intensify and rationalise systematic groundwater monitoring and strengthened groundwater resource management in the LBDC command.
-- To improve on-farm water management practice and agriculture support.
-- To institutionalise reforms and strengthening improved operation and management of the LBDC system.
According to official sources, the overall goal is to improve rural livelihoods and reduce rural poverty through improved irrigation service delivery, enhanced agricultural practices, and strengthened water resources and environmental management to increase the productivity of irrigated agriculture in Punjab.
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