TANK, Sept 27: Tank Zam Dam is the second major water project of the area after the Gomal Zam Dam and it was inaugurated by NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani during his visit to the district last month.

The project will be completed under the Drought Elevation Relief Assistance Programme at a cost of Rs70.2 million. It was designed by Nespak Consultancy.

Tank Zam is situated in the southwest of the Tank district at a distance of 16km and is one of the area’s major water sources.

It is without a specific source. It collects water from various ravines in Ladha, Tiarza, Sarwakai, Sarorogha in the South Waziristan Agency and reaches Bittani areas like Waroki, Jandola, Warmona, Khairgi. After passing through the Frontier Regions, its waters arrive at Sobati Katch near settle area of Tank.

It has been cited as being one the oldest water passage of the area. When the British rule was established in this area, lands reforms were introduced in various districts. In District Dera Ismail Khan, land reforms were also introduced during 1876-78. After the study of official record, it appeared that arrangements were made for streamlining of flood and perennial water (Kala Pani) of this Zam during that period.

For the welfare of the general public, a written agreement was reached between parties concerned regarding the distribution of the two waterways. It is known as “Kulyat-i-Rawajat Aabpashi” or framed laws for distribution of water.

Till this day the booklet contains the rules framed by Sir Bulltain, Thakkar, and Mr Tar Burn and all the necessary details about the distribution of Zam water has been discussed in it. Under various circumstances and situations, District Collector has been vested with vast powers.

It is regrettable that till this day, no survey had been carried out to assess the water storage capacity of the Zam.

In normal days its perennial water is divided in different channels known as “Roodhs” these are Siddqi, Chauha, and Lohra.

Roodh Siddqi is the major one because large parts of the villages are irrigate with this canal.

In yesteryears Tank city was also given a share in its division of water, which was used for drinking purposes and it was made imperative for the collector of the district to give priority to supply of water used for drinking purposes.

In present form almost all the water of this Zam is used for drinking and is supplied to the city, Takwara and Tehsil Kulachi.

The Bittani tribes residing near Zam sometimes steal water in order to irrigate their lands.

According to people living in its vicinity, they had never witnessed water passing over 10,000 to 15,000 “Janddar”, local measurement of waterflow in place of cusecs.

In the framed laws of 1965-66, Tank Zam has six Roodhs (channels), which include Takwara, Siddqi, Chauha, Pir Katch, Lohra and Kiryani from the northern side.

Among them, three roodhs, Takwara, Pir Katch and Kiryani, have rights in the floodwater while the rest are perennial water channels. Roodh Takwara has a length of 40km, Roodh Siddqi, 35km, Roodh Chauha, 20km, Roodh Lauhra. 20km, Roodh Pir Katch, 20km, and Roodh Kiryani, 45km.

All those villages that have rights over flood and perennial water could not receive their water share due to the drought hitting the area for the last four years.

Due to scarcity of water in Tank Zam, needs of the drinking water of the city could be fulfilled only which is supplied through Roodh Chauha.

Irrigation Department had the charge of water division and in close consultations with the farmers a “Tajweez Committee” was formed and for irrigation of various villages a timetable was framed according to which each village would get a percentage of 8 hours water at the rate of Rs100.

In this way about 120,000 acres to 130,000 acres were irrigated in this area.

In its latest form the bed of the Tank Zam will be cemented and 400 feet to 500 feet upper and downward area of all the water channels will also be laid with concrete so as to construct its distributaries.

It will help in the equal distribution of water among all the population of the area from Tank to tehsil Kulachi and Takwara.

Irrigation system of the area was in a shambles and due to the mismanagement and improper distribution some areas were facing drought-like situation while the others were inundated by the floodwater.

All the water channels will also need desilting annually.

The government must also arrange security by laying a metalled road to the Zam’s head and checkpoints of Frontier Constabulary should also be established.

FC personnel and one Khasadar Company should also be deployed as precautionary measures.

Tank Zam should also be provided with the necessary facilities of telephone, wireless and electricity and if such steps were taken it would remove the bad impacts caused by the three years long drought in the area and usher in a new era of prosperity.—APP