PESHAWAR, Dec 27: Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani has okayed Rs71.644 million for removing silt from canals and irrigation channels to improve water supply to users and to boost agricultural economy in the NWFP.

A drive in this regard will be launched on Jan 1.

According to a handout issued here on Friday, of the total amount Rs9.519 million were allocated for the Malakand Circle, Rs17.209 million for the Northern Irrigation Circle, Rs26million for the Centre Irrigation Circle and Rs18 million for the Southern Irrigation Circle.

Some 10,812 labourers equipped with 81 tractors, 10 bulldozers and 20 dump-trucks will take part in the campaign throughout the province.

Approval to this effect was given by Akram Khan Durrani while presiding over a briefing at the Frontier’s House.  

The chief minister directed the officials concerned to the drive that the MPAs be involved in the campaign because they were fully aware of ground realities. They would take care of all difficulties and hindrances in the desilting drive, he added.  

He said the government would evolve a mechanism to ensure that not a single drop of water went waste.

“We would put irrigation system on corrective lines, ensuring the provision of share to the stakeholders on equitable basis, right from top to tail,” he said.

The chief minister also issued directives to ensure disposal of silt and sand properly, as these posed a threat to the environment.