A huge livelihood project

Editor's note: Cheng Xizhong, Visiting Professor at Southwest University of Political Science and Law, Special Commentator of Gwadar Pro, former Defense Attache in South Asian countries. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of Gwadar Pro.

From the Pakistani media, I am very surprised to know that Phase-1 of the Kachhi Canal Project is near its completion. This is really a great development achievement of Pakistan's water conservancy construction. This is also a true livelihood project for the benefit of millions of Pakistani people.

The Kachhi Canal Project is one of the three major water conservancy projects that the Pakistani government is now implementing in Balochistan. When the project is completed, the total length will reach 500 kilometers. Around 102,000 acres of barren land will be irrigated in the Dera Bugti and its adjoining areas under Phase-1 of the Kachhi Canal Project.

Water conservancy is the lifeblood of agriculture and grain is the economic foundation. It benefits the whole nation and future generations to carry out water conservancy construction according to local conditions and with the comprehensive consideration of environmental protection and ecological green landscape.

The 500-kilometer-long Kachhi Canal takes off from Taunsa Barrage in Muzaffargarh District of Punjab and enters Balochistan via Dera Bugti District. By developing irrigated agriculture and promoting the agriculture-based economy in the province, the construction of water conservancy projects will pull Balochistan out of poverty and backwardness.