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Federal Govt Reveals Details of Controversial Cholistan Canal Project
IRSA approves the Cholistan Canal project with a 4-1 vote. The project covers 66.55 million acres and includes new canals to benefit 260,000 people and 1.2 million livestock.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-17
Federal Govt Reveals Details of Controversial Cholistan Canal Project

 

The federal government presented comprehensive details of the contentious Cholistan Canal project in the National Assembly, revealing its scope and impact. According to the information shared, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) approved the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the project with a 4-1 majority vote during its meeting on January 17, 2024.

Project Overview

The Cholistan Canal project spans 66,55,360 acres, with Greater Cholistan covering 46,58,760 acres and Chota Cholistan comprising 19,96,600 acres. The region houses a population of approximately 260,000 people and 1.2 million livestock.

Federal Minister for Water Affairs, Musaddiq Malik, responding to a question by Dr. Mehreen Razaq Bhutto of the Pakistan People's Party, disclosed that Punjab had requested IRSA’s approval for the project. While the Sindh representative opposed the issuance of the water availability certificate, other members supported it, resulting in its approval.

Project Features

The key features of the Cholistan Canal project include:

  1. Expansion of Existing Canals: The water-carrying capacity of three existing link canals will be increased.
  2. Construction of Four New Canals:
    • Fateh Canal
    • Murad Canal
    • Hakra Canal
    • Haran Canal

The canal system will primarily function as a non-permanent water system, operating during the Kharif season and utilizing floodwater from Punjab.

Significance and Controversy

The government clarified that the project aims to utilize surplus floodwater, ensuring sustainable water distribution in the region. However, Sindh’s opposition highlights longstanding inter-provincial water disputes. Critics argue that such projects may exacerbate water scarcity for downstream users in Sindh.

IRSA's Role

In the last five years, IRSA has issued only one NOC for water availability, which is for the Cholistan Canal project. This emphasizes the project's significance amid Pakistan’s broader water management challenges.

Implications

The Cholistan Canal project holds the potential to transform the livelihoods of local residents and boost agricultural productivity in the region. However, balancing inter-provincial water distribution and addressing the concerns of Sindh will be crucial for its success.
Tagged:

Irsa

WaterManagement

PakistanAgriculture

CholistanCanal
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