Punjab Irrigation Department plans the construction of a new barrage at Khanki at a distance of 900 feet downstream of the existing weir. PC-1 of the project has been prepared, and it will be financed by the Japan International Co-operation Agency (Jica), said Senior Minister Raja Riaz Ahmad while presiding over a meeting of farmers and representatives of Farmer Organisations (FOs) here on Wednesday.
PIDA and irrigation department representatives were also present. The minister told participants that rehabilitation and modernisation of Jinnah Barrage and Islam Barrage is also planned, and detailed designs of uplift of the two barrages are being prepared.
Irrigation Department is also encouraging the private sector to set up small hydropower plants at canals and feasibility studies of seven hydropower projects, having accumulative capacity of 126 megawatt, have been completed, he said.
He further informed that a bid for a 4.8-megawatt station on Lower Bari Doab Canal (LBDC) from the private sector has been received and is in the process of evaluation. Meanwhile, surprise checks of outlets through monitoring teams are being conducted to ensure equitable distribution of water.
Aware of the crucial importance of water for sustainable socio-economic development, the government is according the highest priority to water resources development and management, he maintained. The main areas of focus have been rehabilitation and upgradation of irrigation systems, modernisation of barrages, lining of irrigation channels, harnessing power potential, improving canal operations and checking of water theft through institutional reforms, Raja Riaz added.