ISLAMABAD, Dec 9: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday directed the parliamentary committee on water and Irsa’s technical committee to come up with a workable solution to all contentious water issues, enabling the government to start the construction of Kalabagh dam or Bhasha dam not later than next year.

The president issued the directive while presiding over a joint meeting of the two committees on water issues, led by Senator Nisar Memon and A.N.G. Abbasi, respectively.

“One of the two projects (Kalabagh and Bhasha) has to be started not later than next year. This is a must,” a participant of the meeting quoted the president as saying, adding: “The committees should suggest a solution which is acceptable to all.”

An official statement said the president underlined the need to resolve issues pertaining to water amicably, keeping national interests supreme, ensuring justice to all provinces. “The judicious use of water is of critical importance to sustainable development and prosperity of Pakistan, therefore, all issues related to water should be approached objectively by all concerned and resolved in an amicable manner”, he said.

The President reminded that Pakistan constructed large water dams and reservoirs way back in the 1960s but regretted that the country did not progress at the desired pace as things did not move amicably and with provincial harmony.

Referring to the dire water requirements for both agricultural and industrial development of the country in the years ahead, the president underscored that the country must take a decision on construction of water reservoirs by next year.

“We must take a decision by next year through provincial harmony, otherwise history will not forgive us”, he said and added “let it not be said that we suffer form indecisiveness, that will have a negative impact on the country’s future”.

The president said a “tremendous responsibility devolves on members of the two committees to do justice to all and come up with solutions acceptable to all provinces.” He also said there “is no denying the fact that in the past, injustices had been done but called for moving forward.”

“If we have to move forward, it is imperative that we leave behind the memories of the past because rigidity does not help”, the president said.

The president assured the two committees of his full support and said he would be available for his input whenever the committees so desired.

He said the two committees should also coordinate their efforts in reaching a consensus over the construction of a new reservoir.

He also spoke on brick-lining of water channels in the country, saying it can help reduce the wastage of water. He said it will also create job opportunities at grass roots level and boost the local cement industry.

Heads of both the committees, Nisar Memon and A.N.G. Abbasi thanked the president for affording an opportunity to review water related matters. They said the committees would synchronise their efforts for efficient results.

Meanwhile, the chairman and members of the technical committee on water issue also attended a meeting of the parliamentary committee on the special invitation of its chairman Senator Nisar Memon.

APP adds: Minister for Water and Power Aftab Sherpao said the two committees have been working through consultations. The minister would co-ordinate the working of the two committees.

Meanwhile, parliamentary committee on water resources discussed a study conducted on “Minimum Escapages Downstream Kotri Barrage”. The committee will again meet on Dec 10 to hear further views of experts.