LAHORE, July 26: Punjab Governor Lt-Gen Khalid Maqbool (retired) approved on Friday the formation of 3,576 khal panchayats (watercourse fora) to check water theft and settle disputes on the spot.

In a briefing to the governor, Irrigation and Power Department secretary Javed Majeed said it had been decided to form a panchayat at every ten ferrules in addition to the 106 nehar panchayats (canal fora) consisting of khal panchayat chairmen. The governor directed the secretary to ensure farmers’ participation in water distribution decisions, checking water theft and ensuring supply at tails.

The meeting decided to remodel a 120-kilometre distributary of the Lower Chenab Canal system, besides 220 kilometres of the Lower Bari Doab Canal system and 16 kilometres of the Eastern Sadqia Canal. The LCC project is meant to help divert monsoon water for irrigation.

The meeting was informed that Rs7.82 billion had been allocated for concrete lining of distributaries under the National Drainage Programme which includes repair of barrages. In the first phase of the plan, six of the 13 Punjab barrages would get motorized gates and hydraulic systems of Taunsa and Jinnah Barrages would be revamped.

The governor also approved construction of three new drains in the province. The 11-kilometre Chanadpur Drain would be constructed in Sheikhupura district and the eight-kilometre Adhian Drain in Gujranwala district. The 352-kilometre Sukhnai Drain will serve Sahiwal and Okara districts.

The meeting also approved brick lining of 60 canal minors.