MIANWALI, Jan 11: Nearly 50 per cent work on the remodelling of Thal canal has been completed, project chief executive told Dawn.

The project is likely to be completed by the year 2005 at the cost of Rs120 billion.

The work is in progress from Minnah Barrage, Kalabagh, to Head Pucca on main line and on lower minor from Head Pucca to Head Nasirwala Piplan.

The remodelling of the Thal canal was started a couple of years ago at an estimated cost of Rs240 billion.

The 6,000 CF capacity canal was made in 1951 to irrigate 1,407,000 acres in Mianwali, Bhakkar, Khushab, Leiah and Muzaffargarh districts. The water demand increased with the passage of time. At present, around 1,613,000 acres are under plough.

To meet the growing demand, the government decided to remodel the Thal Canal and increase its capacity up to 9,000 CF.

In 1962-63, the canal banks were raised up to four feet and its flowing capacity increased to 7,500 CF.