Lahore: Punjab Minister for Irrigation Mian Muhammad Kazim Ali Pirzada said on Thursday that the Irrigation department had successfully completed the trial release of water into the New Jalalpur Canal from Rasul Headworks on the Jhelum River.
According to a handout issued here, the minister stated that, in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the project marked a significant addition to the department’s infrastructure and an important step towards agricultural self-sufficiency.
The trial release of water into the New Jalalpur Canal from Rasul Headworks on the Jhelum River was carried out today. Senior officials, engineers and relevant staff of the Irrigation department were present on the occasion and closely monitored the trial operation.
The provincial minister said, “The New Jalalpur Canal is one of Punjab’s most important irrigation projects.
Its objective is to provide canal irrigation facilities to the vast rain-fed areas of Jhelum and Khushab districts, increase agricultural production, reduce dependence on groundwater and promote the economic prosperity of farmers.”
The approximately 117-kilometre-long canal would provide irrigation facilities to around 170,000 acres of agricultural land, he added.
He said, “The project is expected to give a new boost to agricultural activities in the region and further strengthen food security.”
He said the Jhelum River had for centuries been a source of Punjab’s civilization, agriculture and prosperity. With the trial release of water into the New Jalalpur Canal, a new chapter was being written in the history of this historic river, symbolizing development, the efficient and sustainable use of water resources, and prosperity for future generations, he said.
He further said that the Punjab Irrigation department, under the principles of modern engineering, effective water management and sustainable development, remained committed to further strengthening the province’s irrigation system and promoting the growth of the agricultural sector.