In a bid to address the chronic water scarcity gripping the vast and remote landscapes of Balochistan, the provincial government, in collaboration with federal authorities, has initiated a groundbreaking project to construct 100 dams across the region.
This undertaking aims to transform the arid landscape, ensuring water availability during dry periods and fostering socio-economic development.
Balochistan, constituting 43.6% of Pakistan's total land area, has long-faced the challenge of water scarcity, hindering both regional progress and population welfare.
Overcoming challenges, #Balochistan's 100-dam project progresses with #PakistanArmy's vital security support.
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) January 26, 2024
64 dams completed, 36 underway in 5 prioritized phases.
Govt launched the plan aiming to transform the drought-stricken landscape.#SamaaTV pic.twitter.com/9zxEevBdwd
Despite being endowed with abundant mineral resources, the province's prosperity is intricately tied to the availability of water.
The 100-dam project, launched in 2009, encountered complexities due to Balochistan's unique social, economic, geographic, and security considerations.
However, the project gained momentum with unwavering support and security cooperation from the Pakistani military, making it feasible to overcome the challenges.
As of now, substantial progress has been made, with 64 small dams completed, and 36 dams still in various stages of construction.
The government is meticulously overseeing the project, dividing it into five phases based on prioritized criteria.
The first phase, consisting of 20 dams, was initiated in June 2009, with a successful completion in June 2015.
This phase, with a cost of Rs2.154 billion, has already demonstrated its efficacy by saving 44,438 acres-feet of water and irrigating 25,850 acres of land.
The second phase, comprising 26 dams, was completed in December 2019 at a cost of Rs4.639 billion. These dams boast a considerable water storage capacity of 70,456 acres-feet and the potential to irrigate 44,000 acres of land.
The ongoing third phase involves the construction of 20 dams, with 18 dams already completed. Priced at Rs8.867 billion, these dams can store 158,260 acres-feet of water and irrigate 58,500 acres of land.
The fourth and fifth phases, scheduled for completion by 2026, will see the construction of 23 and 11 dams, respectively, promising a transformative impact on Balochistan's agricultural landscape.
These storage dams, beyond addressing water scarcity and irrigation challenges, will serve to protect cultivated land and populations from recurring flood damages.
Furthermore, they are expected to contribute to the recharge of groundwater, alleviating the longstanding issue of water scarcity for agriculture and propelling overall agricultural development.
The comprehensive construction of 100 dams in Balochistan is anticipated to provide water to approximately 52,000 acres of land, offering a holistic solution to water-related challenges and creating direct and indirect employment opportunities.
This initiative underscores the commitment to the socio-economic development of the region, heralding a new era for Balochistan's prosperity and resilience against water scarcity.
