Govt approves Rs5.2 billion for extension of Baran Dam in Bannu

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved Rs5.2 billion for the extension of Baran Dam in Bannu district.

Official sources said that the project will be completed within three years. The dam will bring thousands acres of barren land under cultivation in the area and will also serve as a tourist spot.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had directed the Ministry of Water Resources to expedite efforts for construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams.

Presiding over a meeting in Islamabad, he also directed that financing strategy for Diamer-Bhasha dam should be brought before the Council of Common Interests for approval.

During the meeting, an overview of the annual surface water availability and distribution of western and eastern rivers was presented along with water storage capacity available in the country.

Matters pertaining to trans-boundary water issues and the efforts being made for early resolution of the pending disputes also came under discussion.

PM Abbasi observed that in order to meet the challenges of water scarcity and to cater to irrigation needs of the country, there is an urgent need for undertaking water conservation measures including construction of much-needed water reservoirs.

The meeting was informed that out of 137 Million Acre Feet of available water flow at present approximately 93 MAF is being diverted to the canals for irrigation purposes while 22 MAF of water is flowing into the Arabian sea which was much greater than the required water-flow.