Rs10bn for cementing watercourses: Maryam

LAHORE: In a phased programme, the Punjab government has decided to cement 1,200 watercourses at the cost of Rs10 billion while in the second phase, 7,000 watercourses will be cemented across the province.

The decision was taken in a meeting held between Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif and provincial Minister for Irrigation Kazim Pirzada here on Sunday.

The meeting reviewed the progress being made on the programme on cementing watercourses across the province while other matters pertaining to the Irrigation Department affairs were also discussed.

The steps to put the irrigation system on modern lines were also reviewed and proposals with regard to timely provision of water to farmers up to the canal tail ends were mulled.

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif said watercourses will be cemented in 5 years. Surplus water will be provided to the farmers at the canals tail with the cementing of watercourses.

The CM Punjab also announced that the Punjab government will soon launch solar tubewell project for the farmers. The canal water theft will not be tolerated under any circumstances and an effective crackdown will be launched for its eradication, she added.

Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz in her message on the International Mother’s Day said, “I pay salute to the dignity of a mother as being the epitome of affection, care and love. The Mother’s Day should be attributed to the resolute and courageous mothers of Gaza and the occupied Kashmir. A mother is an embodiment of solace and comfort in the face of troubling difficulties of life. Allah Almighty elevated the rank of a mother by ascribing a simile of His love and care with that of a mother. Those who strictly adhere to the golden principle of serving their parents turn out to be successful in this world and the world hereafter.”