101 mini dams constructed in Potohar Region in last two years

RAWALPINDI: The Directorate of Soil Conservation Punjab Rawalpindi Region says it has constructed 102 mini dams in Potohar Region during last two years with 201 water ponds, 39 water storage tanks, 148 gabion spur and 28 earthen embankments.

Director Soil Conservation Department Malik Ghulam Akbar, in an interview with the state-run wire service, informed that total1504 structures including 337 Gully Plugging, 353 Water Disposal Outlets and 298 Retaining Walls were constructed in the region during last two financial years, 2016-17 and 2017-18. Nearly 80 per cent subsidy was given to the farmers for the construction of all these schemes, he added.

The mini dams were constructed under ‘Punjab Kissan Package’ and normal programme run by the Soil Conservation Department.

Due to the water reservoirs and soil erosion controlling structures nearly 32,190acres land was made cultivable in the region, he informed.

“The construction of the mini dams and water ponds has also developed positive environmental effects.

The underground water table is rising up with more employment opportunities for the people. Fish and cattle farming businesses are now flourishing in the region. The mini dams and water bonds are used to divert water for irrigation and other purposes he said adding, the water accumulated in mini dams can be utilized for vegetable and fruit cultivation. Fish farming was also introduced in the region which has become an additional source of income for the farmers. All interventions of soil and water conservation are benefiting the farmers of the region,” he added.

He said that the department also managed to plant saplings on 334.50 acres land.

To a question he said that earlier, the department had constructed over 1200 mini dams in the region. A mini dam is constructed on 40 acre land.

Ghulam Akbar said that the major problems of Potohar region are soil erosion and water runoff as most of the rain water is being wasted which is not only a big loss but also causes soil erosion at large scale.

To cope with the situation, various steps were taken under ‘Kissan Package’,” he claimed.