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PESHAWAR, April 18: Four sites on the Machai branch of the upper Swat canal have been allotted to private sponsors under the provincial power policy after a due process of solicitation and evaluation for development of hydropower potential for the promotion of industries in the NWFP.
A ceremony for the signing of lease agreements for sites was held at the Chief Minister's Secretariat on Saturday. Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani was present at the ceremony.
Secretary irrigation and power/managing director of Small Hydel Development Organization (SHYDO) Mohammad Shehzad Arbab and chief engineer irrigation Karim Khan signed the lease agreements with the private sponsors on behalf of the provincial government.
These sites having a potential of 5 MW were allotted to the private sponsors on the basis of lease for a period of 33 years through competitive bidding, and these would be developed within two years, according to a handout.
On this occasion, the chief minister said that the provincial government would take every step to explore the hydel power potential in the province. More sites would be awarded to the private sector in the near future to generate cheap electricity.
FALLEN TREES: The chief minister directed the secretary of forests department to prepare a report in consultation with the elected representatives on the disposal of trees fallen as a result of snowfall and rains. The report would be presented to the provincial cabinet.
He issued these directives at a meeting with a representative delegation, led by MPAs Maulana Asmatullah and Maulana Dildar here on Saturday. Chief Secretary Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi and secretary forests were also present on the occasion.
He directed to prepare a report on forests protection and a transparent mechanism for collection of fines. "We will provide FC personnel for the protection of forests if necessary", he added.
AFGHAN TIMBER: The chief minister while talking to the chairman of Central Board of Revenue, Abdullah Yousaf, here on Saturday revealed that the Shahi Bin Shahi route in the upper Dir district was being opened from Monday to facilitate the legal transportation of Afghan timber into Pakistan, so that the resources flow was directed to the national exchequer instead of feeding individuals.
The opening of customs office at Shahi Bin Shahi in collaboration with the FC and officials of the district government would increase trade activities in the area.
