To combat the ongoing issue of severe water shortage in the expansive and isolated areas of Balochistan, Dam construction is the only solution left. The regional government, in partnership with federal authorities, has embarked on a pioneering endeavor. This transformative initiative aims to build 100 dams throughout the region, marking a significant step forward in the quest for improved water availability.
The main goal of the Dam Construction Project is to change the dry environment by making sure there is enough water during times when it is scarce and to help the region grow economically and socially. Balochistan, which makes up 43.6% of Pakistan’s total land area, has been dealing with the problem of not having enough water for a long time. This issue has been holding back progress in the region and affecting the well-being of its people.
Despite having plenty of valuable minerals, the province’s success depends greatly on the availability of water. The project to build 100 dams, which started in 2009, faced many difficulties due to the unique social, economic, geographic, and security factors in Balochistan.
However, with strong support and cooperation from the Pakistani military, the Dam construction project gained momentum and became more manageable, allowing them to overcome the challenges. So far, they have made significant progress, completing 64 small dams and still working on 36 dams at different stages of construction.
The government is carefully overseeing the Dam Construction Project in Balochistan by dividing it into five phases based on priority. The first phase, which included 20 dams, began in June 2009 and finished in June 2015. It cost Rs2.154 billion and has already shown its effectiveness by saving 44,438 acres-feet of water and irrigating 25,850 acres of land. The second phase, with 26 dams, was completed in December 2019, costing Rs4.639 billion. These dams can store 70,456 acres feet of water and irrigate 44,000 acres of land.
In the ongoing third phase, they are constructing 20 dams, with 18 already completed. These dams, priced at Rs8.867 billion, can store 158,260 acres-feet of water and irrigate 58,500 acres of land. The fourth and fifth phases, set to be finished by 2026, will involve the construction of 23 and 11 dams, respectively. This will have a transformative effect on Balochistan’s agriculture.
These storage dams not only address water scarcity and irrigation challenges but also protect cultivated land and people from floods. They are also expected to help recharge the groundwater, alleviating the long-standing issue of water scarcity for agriculture and driving overall agricultural development.
Building 100 dams in Balochistan is expected to provide water to around 52,000 acres of land, offering a comprehensive solution to water-related problems and creating job opportunities. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to the socio-economic development of the region, ushering in a new era of prosperity and resilience against water scarcity in Balochistan.
