Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has directed to start the Greater Thal Canal project to irrigate the barren lands of Layyah, Bhakkar, Jhang, Muzaffargarh and Khushab.
The CM directed that work on the canal system’s restoration should be expedited as it would help in increasing agricultural productivity while presiding over a meeting at his office.
He further directed that the land acquisition process should be completed on a priority basis and asked the concerned Commissioner to immediately complete the survey.
The land rates should be identified on merit and the landowners be transparently paid the price of lands, he added. The one-window operation should begin for payment of land, he further said.
He said the ADB will provide 150-million-dollar assistance for this project. The CM said the Forest Department should be provided alternate land in lieu of its acquired land. Punjab cabinet will give final approval of financial matters of Greater Thal Canal project, he added.
Irrigation Minister Mohsin Leghari, Chief Secretary, Chairman P&D and SMBR attended the meeting while Commissioner Sargodha and DC Layyah participated through video link.
