PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has ordered construction of Tank Zam Dam to bring barren land in southern districts under cultivation and to produce cheap electricity.

The project, according to a statement issued from the Chief Minister’s House, would help reduce possible flood damage in the region.

Mr Gandapur issued these directives during a meeting held in Islamabad on Saturday.

The meeting discussed different irrigation projects with special focus on construction of Chashma Right Bank Canal and Tank Zam Dam.

The statement said the construction of Tank Zam Dam would help utilise available water resources in an effective and useful manner, preserving the natural water resources as well as implementing the provincial government’s vision to ensure food security.

Relevant officials informed the meeting that the dam project, once completed, would irrigate about 0.1 million acres of barren land in southern districts and would generate 25.5MW hydropower.

Mr Gandapur said construction of small dams was required to ensure food security in the province, adding that funds required for such projects would be provided on a priority basis.

Additional chief secretary planning and development Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah, secretary irrigation Tahir Orkazai, officials from relevant federal and provincial departments also attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2024