K-P Government Advances Water Resource Management with Dam Projects

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has taken a significant step towards enhancing water resource management by initiating the construction of the Tank Zam Dam project. This decision aims to preserve natural water sources and aligns with the provincial government's goal of ensuring food security in the region. The project, discussed during a recent meeting in Islamabad chaired by K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, is projected to irrigate 100,000 acres of barren land in southern districts and generate 25.5 Megawatts of hydropower upon completion.

Emphasizing the urgency of constructing small dams for food security, Chief Minister Gandapur highlighted the importance of the Tank Zam Dam in cultivating barren lands, producing affordable electricity, and mitigating flood risks. Additionally, the K-P government plans to allocate Rs20 billion for the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) Lift-cum-Gravity project in the upcoming budget, aiming to irrigate 286,000 acres of unused land and boost agricultural output and employment opportunities.

The recent meeting at Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad resulted in a unanimous decision to proceed with tender processes for the CRBC project by July, with a focus on timely completion. The project will follow agreed-upon funding modalities, with the federal government covering 65% of costs and the provincial government contributing the remaining 35%.