THIS is with reference to the letter ‘Mirani dam woes’ (Nov 21). The federal government is cognizant of the lack of development in certain areas, including Balochistan, and has initiated a comprehensive five-year plan in this regard for the most under-developed districts of southern Balochistan with a total outlay of Rs601 billion . The plan has particular focus on water, agriculture and livestock sectors, including the construction of additional 16 new dams. Optimising the potential of Mirani dam is a priority project of the plan.

For harnessing the livestock potential of the area, especially the catchment area of Mirani dam, a project for the establishment of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)-free zone, is part of the plan and a study will be conducted to gauge the command area potential of Mirani dam along with other dams in the area which will be further developed in the light of the recommendations made by the study. Besides, mapping of all the water resources will also be carried out for nine districts of southern Balochistan.

Another important initiative for the area is the introduction of organic crop cultivation, like cotton, and seed production in Kharan, Awaran, Khuzdar, Panjgur, Naushki and Kech. Such initiatives will develop the agriculture and livestock potential of the region, including the Mirani dam area.

Dr. Hamid Jalil
​​​​​​​​Additional Secretary
Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2020