KASUR: The ongoing Asian Development Bank-funded upgradation of Lower Bari Doab Canal (LBDC), which originates from century-old Balloki barrage on River Ravi, will ensure 18 percent increase in water availability that will result in boosting agricultural produce by 15 percent.
The LBDC irrigates an area of 1.74 million acres of land and its upgradation will be completed with a cost of Rs2.257 billion.
It is being expected that the project, on completion, will pay huge dividend and play its role in the agricultural growth of Punjab which known as food basket of the country.
The LBDC upgradation will irrigate 100 percent land of four districts – Okra, Sahiwal, Kasur and Khanewal that produce the cash crops of wheat, rice, cotton and maize. As per reports, 30 percent of rehabilitation of branch waterlines from LBDC has been completed.
Balloki barrage which irrigates two thirds of Punjab province, was adversely hit by floods in 2010 and 2014. The barrage is also being upgraded with the aim to increasing its flood carrying capacity.
It to reports, the rehabilitation work of Balloki barrage has been completed by 70 percent and likely to be completed by March 2015. After completion, the LBDC will ensure 18 percent more water availability (1500 cusecs per day) to irrigate its command area owing to which the agriculture produce will increase by 15 percent. Thanks to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that extended funding for this project of paramount importance.
It is pertinent to mention that the ADB is playing a pivotal role for improving the Punjab Irrigation System and to this effect it has committed to provide financing of $700 million over a period of 11 years through a Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) for rehabilitation and upgrading of irrigation infrastructure. Lower Bari Doab Canal Improvement project is the first project of Punjab Irrigated Agriculture Investment Programme (PIAP) Two canals-Lower Bari Doab Canal (LBDC) and Balloki-Sulemanki (BS) canal- originate from Bolloki barrage. Under the 1994 water accord the LBDC was awarded water share of 9,841 cusecs per day, but because of its capacity constraints, this canals absorbs water up to 8,200 cusecs per day, elaborated Chief Engineer Mansoor Ali.
