ISLAMABAD: To undertake rehabilitation and upgrade century-old Trimmu and Panjnad, Pakistan has signed two agreements with the Asian Development Bank for a loan of $150 million.
As per the agreements, the rehabilitation and upgradation of Trimmu and Panjnad barrages will be completed by 2020.
ADB Country Director Dr Werner E Liepach and Economic Affairs Secretary Mohammad Saleem Sethi signed the loan agreements and Irrigation Secretary Saif Anjum signed the project agreement on behalf of the Punjab government.
The rehabilitation of the century-old Trimmu and Panjnad barrages is expected to improve productivity and reduce losses caused by floods to crops, livestock and property of farmers.
The Punjab irrigation department is responsible for operation, maintenance and management of the irrigation system which covers 8.4 million hectares.
The Trimmu barrage, which holds a strategic position in the country’s agricultural economy, was built in 1937-39. It is located downstream of the confluence of Jhelum and Chenab rivers. Chenab supplies irrigation water to 1.74m hectares through six main canals.
The Panjnad barrage constructed during 1925-1929 is located downstream of confluence of Sutlej and Chenab rivers.
