Under the National Water Policy 2018, Pakistan has committed to developing water reservoirs on an emergency basis. This policy ensures that water resources and related matters remain above politics. Unfortunately, some elements, either due to their political agendas or lack of knowledge, are spreading negative propaganda against various water reservoir projects under the Green Pakistan Initiative. The case of Mahfooz Shaheed Canal and the facts associated with it make it evident that these elements are only trying to harm Pakistan through their misleading claims.
Misleading Propaganda and Objections Against Mahfooz Shaheed Canal
Key Objections:
- The canal’s completion will use Indus River water, six canals are being constructed, and Sindh will be affected.
- The project is being implemented without enhancing the capacity of the Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS).
- The project is not being presented in the Council of Common Interests (CCI).
- 0.58 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water is required for Mahfooz Shaheed Canal, which will be taken from Sindh’s share.
The Real Facts
Project Overview
Under the Green Pakistan Initiative, Mahfooz Shaheed Canal has been approved to make the barren lands of Cholistan cultivable. The Punjab government has leased 1.2 million acres of land for this project and allocated PKR 225.34 billion for its execution. However, as soon as the project began, particularly from Sindh, some elements started a propaganda campaign against it.
Water Source and Construction Details
- The canal will not use Indus River water but will instead draw water from the Sutlej River.
- It spans 176 kilometers, from Sulemanki Headworks to Fort Abbas.
- The claim of constructing six canals is entirely false; this is a single project.
- The project is fully funded by the Punjab government under its Annual Development Program (ADP), with no financial involvement from Sindh.
Improvements in the Canal System
- To ensure smooth water flow, minor repairs will be made to the Rasul-Qadirabad Link Canal, Qadirabad-Balloki Link Canal, and Balloki-Sulemanki Link Canal.
- Mahfooz Shaheed Canal will have an initial capacity of 4,120 cusecs.
- Further expansion includes Fort Abbas to Mirot (120 km) and Fort Abbas to Dhandwala (132 km), with respective capacities of 1,300, 1,500, and 2,700 cusecs.
Legal and Regulatory Approvals
- The claim that this project should have been presented in CCI is incorrect.
- Under Clause 8 of the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord (WAA), provinces can initiate projects within their allocated water resources.
- IRSA (Indus River System Authority) has already granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) with a 4:1 majority, confirming that the project is within legal boundaries.
Water Allocation and Future Storage Solutions
- The 0.58 MAF of water for the Mahfooz Shaheed Canal will only use Punjab’s allocated share and excess floodwater during June to October.
- The Indus Basin Irrigation System capacity has already been increased by 4.566 MAF.
- With the completion of Bhasha Dam (2028) and Mohmand Dam (2027), an additional 7.08 MAF will be added to the system, benefiting all provinces, including Sindh.
Strategic Importance for Agriculture
- India developed the 650-km-long Indira Canal in Rajasthan in 2005 to transform desert lands into fertile regions.
- Pakistan continues to delay critical projects like Kalabagh Dam due to political differences.
- If Pakistan fails to act, a food security crisis may arise.
Economic and Social Benefits
- Farmers will benefit significantly from increased agricultural output.
- Local communities will gain employment opportunities.
- The Punjab-exclusive project will help fertilize barren land and improve the economy.
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