LAHORE: The irrigation department has issued a schedule for annual closure of canals emanating from Mangla and Tarbela reservoirs in the province for repairs and desiltation purposes.

A press release issued here on Monday said Lower Jhelum and Rasool-Qadirabad Link canals would remain closed from Dec 26 to Jan 12, 2021, Qadirabad-Balloki Link from Dec 27 to Jan 13, Lower Bari Doab and Balloki-Sulemanki from Dec 29 to Jan 15, and Upper Pakpattan and Eastern Sadqia from Dec 30 to Jan 15.

Likewise, Upper Jhelum and Lower Chenab Canal will remain closed from Jan 12 to Jan 29, Jhang Branch and Upper Bahawal from Jan 13 to Jan 30, Upper Chenab from Dec 26 to Jan 12, and Central Bari Doab from Dec 27 to Jan 13.

The release said the Thal canal will remain closed from Jan 13 to Jan 30, all canals including Sidhnai Link emanating from Trimu Barrage from Jan 10 to Jan 27, Sidhnai Canal and Sidhnai-Mailsi-Bahawal Link from Jan 11 to Jan 28, Lower Pakpattan from Jan 12 to Jan 29, Lower Bahawal from Jan 13 to Jan 30, all canals originating from Panjnad Barrage from Jan 5 to Jan 22, and those from Taunsa Barrage from Dec 31 to Jan 17.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2020