Chief Minister

Before the creation of Pakistan, the private sector contributed in developing irrigation infrastructure. After independence, public sector started playing an ever increasing role. From 1958 to 1970, Irrigation and Power Department looked after the development needs in the Water Sector as a whole. On creation of the province of Balochistan in 1970, the department took control over all irrigation works with the financial assistance of the Federal Government. Since then the department has developed projects of various natures to

o utilize ground water flows through karezes, tube wells and open surface wells;

Balochistan Irrigation Department (BID) was transformed into Balochistan Irrigation and Drainage Authority (BIDA) through an Act in 1997, bearing in view to achieve self sustainability within 7 to 10 years of its establishments. The role of the institution has been shifted from developer and owner of irrigation infrastructure to service provider. Under the new scenario involvement of communities in project development, financing, operation and maintenance, and collection of abiana, a kind of irrigation water tax, have to be through Farmer Organizations (FOs).

To develop efficient, cost effective and sustainable irrigation infrastructure in Balochistan to boost agriculture and food produce; to take electricity to every village of Balochistan

à Quetta Irrigation Circle, Loralai Irrigation Circle, Sibi Irrigation Circle, Patfeeder Canal Irrigation Circle, and Kalat-Mekran Irrigation Circle.

à Quetta/Chagai, Pishin, Loralai, Zhob, Kohlu, Sibi, Kachhi, Dera Bugti, Kirther Canal, Patfeeder Canal, Mastung, Hub Canal, Khuzdar, Uthal, and Mekran.

o Director General, Water Resources Planning, Development and Monitoring Directorate

Power is supplied to the province of Balochistan from the National Grid System through a single circuit 220 KV transmission line from Guddu to Sibi and 132 KV double circuit line between Sibi Quetta. Recently another double circuit 220 KV transmission line has been completed between Sibi - Quetta and energized during the month of August 1998. The 132 KV network is extended from Quetta to Khuzdar, Zhob and Loralai. In addition Bela district is being fed through 132 KV transmission line from Karachi Electric Supply Corporation. Similarly Mekran division is not connected with the national grid system and the power is supplied through a small generating station of about 17 MW.

Indus System

The Indus System supplies water to only 10% of the total geographical area of the province. The irrigation and drinking water requirements of the rest of the areas are mainly met by development of minor flood and perennial irrigation schemes. The Indus System comprises the following canals:

i. PatPatfeeder Canal System

Patfeeder Canal system was constructed as a part of Guddu Barrage Project in 1969 with a designed capacity of 3,180 cusecs for irrigation of 1, 42, 510 hectares (3, 52, 000 acres).

The canal and its system have been remodelled for a designed capacity of 6, 700 cusecs with the joint financing of Federal Government and Asian Development Bank at a cost of Rs. 8, 500.00 million. The project includes widening of main canal, rehabilitation of distributaries, flood protection of main canal, construction of drainage facilities for an additional 18, 160 hectares (4, 45, 000 acres) and construction of 164 minor canals. After completion of the project the irrigation intensity will increase from 77% to 96% and the crop area in Kharif and Rabi season will increase from 1, 42, 510 hectares (3, 52,000 acres) to 1, 79, 000 hectares (4, 42, 000 acres).

Khirther Canal, which branches off from North West Canal, approximately 36 miles down the Sukkur Barrage, was designed and constructed on unified basis in 1932 for a designed capacity of 1, 164 cusecs to irrigate a culturable command area of 74, 700 hectares (1, 84, 500 acres) in Balochistan and 55, 870 hectares (1, 38, 000 acres) in Sindh Provinces.

To accommodate the perennial supplies the system as per Indus Water Accord of March 1991, the system was remodelled to increase its capacity from 1200 cusecs to 2400 cusecs at a cost of Rs. 221.215 million. The area irrigated/ cultivated has increased to 77, 146 hectares (1, 90, 550 acres).

iii. UcUch Canal, Manuthi Canal, Khan Wah and Direct Out lets from Desert Canal.

Uch and Manuthi Canals, part of Desert Canal System, were constructed in 1901 before construction of Guddu Barrage. These branch off from Desert Canal at 44 and 52 miles with a total length of 32 and 15 miles respectively. The present capacity of the canal is 732 cusec sufficient to irrigate an area of 17, 570 hectares (43, 400 acres).