Prime Minister
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was briefed today about water resources of the country
during a meeting held at Prime Minister’s Office.
Minister for
Water Resources Syed Javed Ali Shah, Chairman WAPDA Lt. Gen (R) Muzammil
Hussain, Commissioner Indus Water Mirza Asif Baig, Chairman IRSA Syed Mazhar
Ali Shah, Chairman Flood Commission Mr. Ahmad Kamal and senior official were
present during the meeting.
An overview of
annual surface water availability and distribution of western and eastern
rivers was presented before the meeting along with water storage capacity
available in the country.
Matter
pertaining to trans-boundary water issues and the efforts being made for early
resolution of the pending disputes also came under discussion.
The meeting was
informed that out of 137 MAF of available water flow at present approximately
93 MAF was being diverted to the canals for irrigation purposes while 22 MAF of
water was flowing into the Arabian sea which was much greater than the required
water-flow.
Taking note of
significant increase in the unaccounted for water which has increased from 10
MAF to 22 MAF at present, the Prime Minister directed to put in place an
effective mechanism for monitoring of discharge at all structures of Indus
Basin Irrigation System.
The Prime
Minister observed that in order to meet the challenges of water scarcity and to
cater to irrigation needs of the country, there was an urgent need for
undertaking water conservation measures including construction of much-needed
water reservoirs. The Prime Minister directed Ministry of Water Resources to
expedite efforts for construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dam. The Prime
Minister also directed that financing strategy for Diamer-Bhasha dam should be
brought before the CCI for approval.
The Prime
Minister emphasized that water was a critical issue and it required an urgent
response. Failure to add storage capacity during last four decades has created
a situation of water scarcity. Hence, there was no option other than pursuing
all water storage projects, observed the Prime Minister.
The Prime
Minister also directed that proposals for strengthening and capacity building
of various organs of the Ministry be submitted for consideration.
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