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Mangla Corps chief reviews desilting of canals

RECORDER REPORT

FAISALABAD: De-silting of canals and water courses will not only help remove the technical faults of the irrigation system but also ensure fair apportionment of canal water besides solving most of the problems being confronted by the farming community, said Corps Commander Mangla Lt. General Tauqir Zia.

Reviewing the process of de-silting in Lakhuaana and Dhuddiwala channels near chak No. 209 RB near here on Sunday, he said that participation of Pak Army in this exercise of national importance will yield positive results. De-silted canal will not only reduce seepage of water but also help increase water supply at the far flung tail end areas of the canals.

He appreciated the active support of farmers, students and volunteers and said that completion of such projects of national importance on self help basis is imperative to achieve the national objectives of increasing agricultural production.

Expressing satisfaction over the pace of de-silting work, he inquired about the measures taken by the irrigation department and also directed its officers to resolve the problems being confronted by the growers.

Brig. Amjad Rauf briefed Lt. General Tauqir Zia about the pace of work on de-silting campaign and informed that Brigade 313 had completed first phase of de-silting campaign well ahead of the given schedule while the 75 percent of the second phase has also been completed. With the help of maps, charts and pictures, he explained in detail the salient features of the de-silting campaign and said that in addition to de-silting of canals, the Army Jawans are also repairing canal embankments and tracks along canals besides removing weeds, reeds, bushes, etc. "Steps are also being taken for the elimination of illegal water holes and civil administration is fully co-operating in achieving this objective."

He further said that they would also accomplish the additional work for the de-silting of Dajkot distributory after achieving the given target by January, 25.

Later Tauqir Zia also witnessed various traditional games of Tug of war, Kabaddi and horse dance. He also distributed prizes among the best teams. Turbans were also presented to Lt. General Tauqir Zia and Major General Javed Alam in accordance with the tradition of Punjab.

Earlier, the corps commander also attended a briefing in circuit house. Divisional Commissioner Major Iqbal Ahmed Raja (Retd) explained in details the pace of work on various ongoing development projects, implementation on Governmentís directive and overall law and order situation in the division.

Lt. General Tauqir directed the police officials to discourage unnecessary litigation and try to resolve disputes of minor nature at the police station level.

Addressing yet another meeting, he stressed for promotion of healthy education, sports and recreational activities and hoped that action would be taken to arrest environmental pollution.

He asked the divisional and district heads of various government departments to generate funds from their own resources to provide maximum facilities to the masses.