FAISALABAD, Aug 27: A sum of Rs1.06 billion will be spent to improve irrigation system in the Punjab by completing different development projects during the current financial year.

This was stated by an irrigation department spokesman here on Tuesday.

He said that Rs110 million would be spent for re-modelling Thal canal; Rs106.6 million for improvement and restoration of Marala Ravi Link System; Rs100 million for the construction of left bank of BRB Canal and Rs100 million would be spent on the cleaning and desiltation of sem nullahs.

An amount of Rs645 million for the national drainage programme and Rs86 million had been earmarked for the construction of small dams in barani areas. Different water courses would be improved by spending Rs10 million.

The spokesman said that the federal government was spending Rs 675 million for overcoming the shortage of canal water and stopping its wastage.

In the first phase of this programme, Jinnah barrage, Taunsa Barrage, Khanki, Balloki, Sulemanki and head Islam would be constructed and repaired by spending Rs375 million, while with the remaining amount of Rs300 million banks of different canals would be strengthened.

He said that with the completion of these projects the irrigation system would improve and consequently leave positive effects on agriculture sector.