I AM a resident of Naherkot, a remote village of Barkhan district, and one of the most productive union councils of the district where wheat, cotton, chilli, tomato, etc, are popular crops of the area.

The population of the area is about 40,000.

Owing to drought in early 2000, the water table of the area had gone down and there were no dams in the area which could store water despite being the potential site for dams which could store water for many years. An electricity potential of 100 to 500 megawatts can be produced also.

Initially, a survey was done by the irrigation department and the local government. It was found that this was ideal for the dam. Although some progress was made initially, almost 10 years have passed but there is no progress.

We appeal to the prime minister and the Balochistan chief minister to take immediate action to build a dam in the area. It will bring prosperity, and people will get potable water as well.

ASHRAF KHETRAN Islamabad