SWABI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Fazl Hakeem Khan Yousafzai, Irrigation Minister Aqibullah Khan and Adviser to CM on tourism Zahid Chanzeb paid a joint visit to Kundal dam, built in mountainous region of Gadoon Amazai, here on Thursday.

A handout issued by the regional information office Mardan said that the completion cost of this valuable project was Rs two billion and 33 crores, and the dam would not only irrigate about

14000 acres of unfertile land, but it would also boost the fishing industry and provide ample opportunities for tourism.

The visiting dignitaries also released over 60,000 fish eggs in Kundal dam which had a capacity to store more than 11000 acre feet of water and irrigate 14.5 thousand acres of land in Kundal, Panjmand, Pabini, Jhanda, Bola and Dagai throughout the year.

Speaking on the occasion, Irrigation Minister Aqibullah Khan said that the network of canals was being expanded to bring more land under water from Kundal dam. He said that this dam would play an important role in the development of agriculture, fisheries and tourism in the area and would expand employment opportunities.

He said that the Bada dam had already been inaugurated, which would be capable to irrigate 3000 acres of land. He said that under the leadership of KP Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, the journey of development and prosperity would continue in the province and all-out efforts would be made to provide basic facilities to the people.

Adviser to CM Zahid Chanzeb said that the area surrounding the dam was rich in natural beauty and

there were substantial possibilities for promoting tourism in and around the dam and the government would take all necessary steps in this regard.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2024