ISLAMABAD, July 23 (ABC): A major irrigation project is set to expand water availability to areas adjoining the proposed CPEC City near Swabi district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The project will develop irrigation infrastructure across a command area covering more than 10,930 acres.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the project, titled “Pehur High Level Canal Extension (PHLCE) Project – Additional Area: Lot-4,” proposes extensive irrigation and command area development (CAD) in strategically located agricultural zones.
Three project components
According to the project layout, Lot-4 comprises three major components. These include the Indus Ambar Additional Command Area (3,234 hectares), the Indus Ambar HEIS/PDN Area (464 hectares) and the Nandrak Area (726 hectares).
The documents show that one project area lies south of the M-1 Motorway and west of the Indus Branch Canal. Its western boundary adjoins the proposed CPEC City. The project proposes full development of irrigation infrastructure and command area facilities in this zone.
Nandrak irrigation upgrade
The Nandrak Area is located south of the proposed CPEC City and north of the Kabul River.
According to the documents, parts of this area already receive irrigation from the tail of the Indus Branch Canal through the Jahangira and Nandrak minors. However, the project proposes rehabilitation and strengthening of the existing irrigation system to maximise agricultural productivity.
Indus Ambar development
The Indus Ambar Additional Command Area forms the largest component of the project. It is located adjacent to Lot-3.
About half of the area lies between the Maira Branch and the M-1 Motorway. The remaining land is located south of the motorway on both banks of the Indus Branch Canal.
The project recommends complete development of irrigation facilities and command area infrastructure across this region.
Project objectives
Together, the three components cover a command area of about 10,930 acres.
The Indus Ambar Additional Command Area covers 3,234 hectares, while the Indus Ambar HEIS/PDN Area spans 464 hectares. The Nandrak Area extends over 726 hectares.
The project proposes full irrigation and command area development in the Indus Ambar zones. It also calls for rehabilitation and strengthening of the existing irrigation system in the Nandrak Area.
According to the documents, the project aims to expand irrigation coverage, improve water distribution efficiency and strengthen command area development across the designated agricultural zones. Once completed, it is expected to improve irrigation infrastructure and support agricultural development in the region.
