Punjab Chief Minister, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has directed the irrigation department to undertake strict action against those involved in water theft incidents.
He said that legislation would be made for declaring water theft as a non-bailable offence. He maintained that all-out measures are being taken to ensure equal distribution of water resources in all areas of the province.
He was addressing a meeting of provincial ministers, MNAs and MPAs of southern Punjab and other districts here on Friday. The meeting was attended among others by Advisor to CM Jehangir Khan Tareen, Minister Irrigation Aamer Sultan Cheema, Chief Secretary, Kamran Rasool, and other concerned officers.
Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi stressed that water distribution and its management should be made in such a manner that no area should remain deprived of water resources in future. He said that a comprehensive strategy is being implemented to control water pilferage and to utilise available water resources in an efficient manner.
He further said that irrigation system of the province is being restructured to improve administrative affairs with regard to water distribution. He said that the government is undertaking effective measures to ensure irrigation supply to the tail-enders.
Chief minister also emphasised on construction of more water reservoirs in the country.
He said that increase in water resources is inevitable for implementing projects of agro-based economy. He vowed that a number of projects were being completed for the rehabilitation of irrigation system of Punjab.
He directed that all information regarding water supply be conveyed to the people of southern Punjab and other backward areas.