Govt to develop new water reservoirs
The Nation, 8/11/2002

PESHAWAR (PPI) - Governor Lt Gen. (R) Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has said, agriculture is the backbone of the economy of the province and keeping in view the indispensable role of water resources to boost agriculture sector, the government has launched a concrete plan of action not only to ensure better management and utilisation of the existing irrigation systems but also to develop new water reservoirs throughout the province.

Addressing a big public meeting arranged by Nazim Town-IV Peshawar, Haji Niaz Mohammad at Kandar Town about 35 kilometre from Peshawar on Thursday, he said, unfortunately due to the recent long drought not only the farm water resources have been depleted but the underground water table have also become low to a great extent, with the result not only the existing tubewells have become non functional but the possibility for the installation of new ones have also become non-feasible. Keeping this fact in mind, the governor said: "we are following a multidimensional approach and have launched gigantic projects for the construction of small and delay action dams where prove feasible in every nock and corner of the province".

Referring to the demands presented by Town Nazim Haji Niaz Mohammad as well as the newly elected MNA Sabir Hussain Awan and MPA Javed Khan Mohmand Advocate, mainly concerning, the augmentation of irrigation resources, the governor announced the construction of two small dams one each at Miangan Banda and Sikh Dheri in the area and directed the concerned authorities to complete feasibility studies and other documentation process on war footings.

Simultaneously, the governor also approved another project for the installation of 30 tubewells for both irrigational and drinking water purposes in the area, comprised 21 union councils.

Responding to another demand to functionalise the Uch Canal (Dry Canal); originating from Warsak Dam, he ordered to take strict measures to eliminate the chances of water theft and declared that the government would even not hesitate to lay steel pipes in certain areas to curb this heinous crime and protect the right of the genuine users. This, in fact, he said is the failure on the part of the concerned department in protecting the interests of the respective farmers and it must improve its efficiency by applying all means.

It is worth mentioning that the canal constructed in mid of 1960s remained fully functionalised till 1980 but after due to certain problems, including water theft, the users situated at its stay started becoming deprived of their rights gradually.

Responding to another demand, the governor also sanctioned the creation of two degree colleges one each for girls and boys at the existing building of a local girls higher school as well as the Inter college for boys, Badabher. He also promised to take necessary action to provide staff for the local hospital as well as the school. Beside this, Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah also announced a grant of Rs 25 million for carrying out development activities in different other sectors in the Town-IV.

Appreciating the keen interest of the local governments of its all tiers, the governor said though the resources do not match the requirements yet the deficiency in this connection can be made through organized efforts and better management process. He also expressed the confidence that the elected representatives at all levels would make joint efforts for the improvement of this system.

Earlier, besides the District Nazim Azam Afridi, Town Nazim Haji Niaz Mohammad, the newly elected MNA Sabir Hussain Awan and MPA Javed Mohmand Advocate while addressing on this occasion highly appreciated the personal interest of the governor in the solution of the grievances of the people. They also fully supported the working of the local government system and declared to make every effort to further strengthen it.

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