ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (ABC): Balochistan has completed desilting over a four-kilometre stretch of the Pat Feeder Canal as work advances on Package-I of the canal system’s remodelling project.
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Irrigation Department of Balochistan is implementing Package-I of the Remodelling of Pat Feeder Canal System at a contract cost of Rs15.750 billion.
The documents show that workers have completed desilting over four kilometres and removed obstacles from the canal bed.
Concrete lining has also been completed over a one-kilometre stretch. Meanwhile, workers have prepared canal banks over 2.3 kilometres.
Canal diversion work is currently underway over another seven-kilometre stretch.
Preparatory works completed
The project has also made progress on several preparatory activities required for the main construction works.
According to the documents, authorities have completed the joint survey and pre-construction survey.
The project has also provided initial accommodation facilities, established laboratories and issued drawings for its main components.
Authorities have completed the land acquisition survey, while the award process is currently underway.
More than 200 houses identified as encroachments within the canal’s right-of-way have also been demolished to clear the area for project works.
Rs15.75bn package targets canal improvement
The ongoing activities form part of Package-I of the broader Remodelling of Pat Feeder Canal System.
The Pat Feeder Canal plays an important role in supplying irrigation water to agricultural areas of Balochistan.
The remodelling project aims to improve irrigation efficiency and reduce water losses across the canal system. It also seeks to provide a more reliable water supply to agricultural land.
Canal lining can help reduce seepage, while desilting improves water-carrying capacity by removing accumulated sediment from the canal bed.
Once completed, the Pat Feeder Canal remodelling project is expected to improve water management and support agricultural productivity in Balochistan.
