In a significant move to address water scarcity and promote agricultural development, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Government has successfully completed the construction of 37 small dams. These dams have been strategically built to store flood and rainwater, thus bringing arid lands under cultivation and expanding agricultural opportunities in the region.
With a combined water storage capacity of 0.3,414 Acres Feet (AF), these small dams are expected to irrigate a vast area of 0.1377 million-acre cultivated (CCA) land. The completion of these dams marks a major milestone in the government’s efforts to harness water resources and promote sustainable agriculture in the province.
Furthermore, the Small Dams Directorate of the Irrigation Department has announced that an additional 24 small dams are currently under construction in various districts of KP, thanks to assistance from the Federal government. These upcoming dams will contribute significantly to the water storage capacity, with an estimated 75,000 AF, further irrigating approximately 49,523 acres of land.
In the face of increasing water demands and challenges posed by climate change, the spokesman emphasized the importance of small and medium dams in addressing the issue. Compared to larger dams, small dams can be completed within a relatively short span of two to three years, ensuring a more rapid response to the pressing need for water resources.
Looking forward, the spokesman revealed that Pakistan will require an additional 76 million-acre feet (MAF) of water by 2050. The construction of small and medium dams is seen as the most feasible solution to achieve this target. As a testament to this vision, plans for seven medium dams are already in the design stage. Once realized, these medium dams will boast a significant water storage capacity of 520,884 AF and also generate 31.5 megawatts of power.
The practical work on the construction of these seven medium dams is expected to commence soon, signaling a proactive approach by the KP Government to bolster water resources and energy generation in the region. As such, these projects are anticipated to contribute significantly to the economic growth and sustainable development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In light of this development, it is evident that the KP Government’s focus on small and medium dams can play a crucial role in overcoming water scarcity challenges and ensuring a prosperous future for the province.
