The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $48 million for water-related projects in Balochistan, aiming to modernize irrigation, reduce water wastage, and enhance livelihoods in the province.

The ADB confirmed that the additional financing will support the Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Project, focusing on the Zhob and Mula Darya basins. Key components include the Churi Infiltration Gallery, development of the Siri Toi Dam command area, and watershed management activities previously delayed due to budget constraints.

The project will introduce a modern piped water distribution network in the Siri Toi command area, promising higher efficiency, reduced conveyance losses, and improved water service compared to traditional open channels.

Addressing severe water shortages

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, faces extreme water scarcity worsened by climate change and frequent droughts. Agriculture, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of the provincial economy and employs 60% of its 13 million residents, has been under significant pressure.

The ADB noted that improved water availability will also benefit 1,839 hectares of rain-fed land, supporting sustainable farming practices and boosting food security.

Economic and social benefits

ADB Country Director for Pakistan, Emma Fan, highlighted that the project will create better economic opportunities, especially for women engaged in agriculture. “This project supports livelihoods and enhances resilience for communities in the Zhob and Mula river basins,” she said.

Once completed, the Siri Toi Dam will store 36 million cubic meters of water, ensuring efficient and equitable distribution across 16,592 hectares, including rainwater harvesting systems. Watershed management initiatives—such as afforestation, soil conservation, and check dams—will reduce land degradation and improve flood control.

The additional financing is co-supported by the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, funded by the Government of Japan through ADB, and the High-Level Technology Fund. These partnerships aim to establish a long-term, climate-resilient water management system in Balochistan.