FAISALABAD, July 19: A system of third party consultant is being introduced in the country for improvement of the irrigation system, senior Punjab minister Raja Riaz Ahmed said on Saturday.

He said the third party system would also make the financial and administrative matters clear. He was talking to farmers and officials of the irrigation department during the inspection of Barala branch, Jaranwala.

The minister said the government had been doing its utmost to facilitate the farmers by improving and lining the irrigation system which would, in return, enhance the cultivated land.

He said field staff of the department had been put on alert to arrest the trend of water theft and violators would be dealt with an iron hand. — Staff Correspondent