ISLAMABAD: The Fata Development Authority (FDA) has proposed to the federal government to launch the Shakai small dam project in South Waziristan to help alleviate poverty in an area where farmers mainly depend on rainfall.

Hydrological studies show that an annual inflow of 1,827 acre-feet of water is available in the main Shakai stream to meet the irrigation requirement of about 1,000 acres of barren land.

Official sources said on Friday that the feasibility study of the project had been submitted to the Planning Commission, according to which the dam would cost Rs676 million.

The FDA has informed the Planning Commission that the inhabitants of South Waziristan had been seeking the construction of the dam since there was an acute shortage of drinking water in the area. People have to bring water for daily consumption from wells located at considerable distances.

The total area of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) is 27,220 square kilometres, of which 2,205sqkm is cultivable. Agriculture and irrigation facilities in this area will give immediate relief to the people in terms of employment and food production.

The sources said the emphasis should be on water conservation, improving the efficiency of utilisation and introduction of high yield crops suited to climatic conditions of the area. High value crops should be encouraged and off-season vegetables would give good return in the national market.

The proposed dam would also mitigate flood hazards in stream and soil erosion besides improving ecological environment with green belts and vegetation growth, thereby having a moderating effect on the severity of weather during summer. It will also help develop fisheries and excursion resorts.

According to the survey, the crops yields are quite small as existing facilities are not good enough for irrigation.

The annual cropping intensity is about 80 per cent in which the share of Kharif and Rabi is 20pc and 60pc.

As a result, production is too low and the locals do not earn adequate income to meet their requirements.

The proposed site is considered the best to utilise the floodwater for irrigation.

Socio-economic uplift of the area can be achieved through efficient management, conservation and harnessing of flood runoffs. Under the project, introduction of drip irrigation and other small interventions will be undertaken to improve water availability in the sector.

Published in Dawn January 31st, 2015

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