The Government of Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has announced multi-billion-rupee development projects in the FY 2026-27 budget aimed at improving the irrigation system, strengthening water infrastructure, reducing water losses, and constructing new water reservoirs across the province.
Punjab announces major irrigation and water infrastructure projects in FY 2026-27 budget: Minister Pirzada
LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP): The Government of Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has announced multi-billion-rupee development projects in the FY 2026-27 budget aimed at improving the irrigation system, strengthening water infrastructure, reducing water losses, and constructing new water reservoirs across the province.
Punjab Minister for Irrigation Mian Kazim Ali Pirzada, while briefing the media on the provincial budget, said these initiatives are expected to accelerate agricultural growth and significantly improve water management capacity in the province.
He stated that during the previous fiscal year, Punjab faced one of its worst flood situations due to high flooding in three major rivers. He added that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the provincial government spent Rs79.78 billion on relief, rehabilitation, and compensation for millions of flood-affected citizens.
The minister said that in the upcoming fiscal year, substantial financial allocations have been made for both development and non-development expenditures of the Irrigation Department, reflecting the government’s focus on long-term water security and flood protection.
He further informed that development projects worth Rs95 billion will be completed, including key schemes such as the Jalalpur Irrigation Project, Jalalpur Nooraja Bhatta Flood Bank, Sora Dam, Taman Dam, Pirwala Flood Protection Embankment, Daudcha Dam, and the Rahim Yar Khan Waterlogging Project.
Mian Kazim Ali Pirzada added that Rs47 billion has been allocated for projects involving the rehabilitation of link canals and the lining of 500 kilometres of minors and distributaries under Phase-III of the Umbrella Canal Linking Project.
He also highlighted that Rs110 billion has been earmarked for the Potohar Small Dams Project, while Rs12 billion has been allocated for the rehabilitation of the BRBD Link Canal and the construction of a new Ravi Syphon.
In addition, under the Flood Resilience Programme, 51 development schemes worth Rs56 billion have been included in the budget to strengthen flood protection infrastructure across vulnerable areas.
The Provincial Minister emphasized that the completion of these projects will significantly enhance Punjab’s water storage capacity, improve irrigation efficiency, increase cultivable land, and support sustainable agricultural development.
