The Secretary Irrigation Punjab/Managing Director PIDA, Malik Hasan Iqbal has said that a comprehensive strategy to curtail water theft and improve the recovery of water cess (Abiana) will be devised so as the benefits of irrigation water be provided to all farmers equitably.
He stated this in response to a briefing given to him by the General Manager (TM) of Punjab Irrigation & Drainage Authority (PIDA) after holding the charge of PIDA’a Managing Director. The General Manager (OP) Muhabbat Khan and General Manager (Finance) Malik Salim were also present during the briefing session. The MD was apprised that PIDA had imparted irrigation management to 400 farmers organisations on distributary canals by establishing water boards at main canals. These organisations are performing their functions under rules and regulations regarding water supply up to tail ends, Abiana collection, repair & maintenance of channels as well as their de-silting. The GM (TM) further told that these organisations are practically trained in the areas of technical, revenue and management aspects of canal operation for better service delivery.
The Managing Director PIDA Malik Hasan Iqbal was of the view that the farming community was the actual beneficiary of irrigation system so the equal distribution of water and collection of Abiana would be improved with the help of farmers organisations. He advised the PIDA officers to submit their recommendations for the betterment of participatory irrigation system.
