ISLAMABAD, Oct 22: The federal government has approved the construction of 8th phase of Mangla Watershed Management Project to reduce the sediment load flowing into the Mangla Reservoir so as to prolong its useful life through improved methods of land use and watershed management practices.

According to official sources, initially Rs 168 million have been approved to undertake the 8th phase (2001-2002 to 2005-2006) of the project. However, the sponsors of the project - Ministry of Water and Power - has been asked to respond to various objections raised by the Planning Commission for carrying out the project.

Federal funding for different phases of Mangla Watershed Management project has been provided for the objective of gradually reducing the flow of sediment load into the Mangla Reservoir. However, the data does not prove that project implementation has resulted into any gradual decrease in the sediment load.

“Firstly, the average reduction in the flow of sediment load into the reservoir has been calculated erroneously. Secondly, flow of sediment load into the reservoir has remained around 34,000 acre feet showing no effect of watershed management efforts on the sediment load reduction”.

An objection was also raised by the Planning Commission about the cost, personnel and administrative expenses relating to the project. The Commission said that the cost should have a rationale in terms of the project activities and that the full justification of project personnel in relation to the project works should be provided.

The total cost of the staff salaries, allowance and authority’s overhead constitute about 34 per cent of the cost of the project. Whereas, the planned works constitute about 65 per cent of the total cost which was considered by the Planning Commission as unjustified. Further, based on previous experience of low release of funds, the share of works towards the total costs expected to come down, as the salaries, etc. have to be paid.

The sponsoring agency was also directed to provide the details of expenditure incurred on the project since July 2001 to date as well as the authority that authorized for these expenditures.

The sponsoring agency was also asked to intimate the arrangements for coordination and modalities for interaction among the line agencies as well as governments of Punjab and Azad Kashmir for its cost effectiveness.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has been actively contributing/supporting Tarbela Watershed Management Project in NWFP, and integrated Land Management and Area Development Project in Azad Kashmir.