FAISALABAD:
Recent flash floods have caused massive destruction to irrigation infrastructure in Faisalabad zone, inflicting losses worth Rs650 million.
The irrigation department has forwarded a summary to the Punjab government seeking immediate release of funds for restoration, sources confirmed.
Apart from damaging houses, livestock, and livelihoods across hundreds of villages in Tandlianwala (Faisalabad) and Bhowana (Chiniot), the floods also washed away critical canal structures.
The damaged sections were swiftly repaired by registered contractors on the directives of the department’s senior officials.
An executive engineer of Faisalabad Irrigation Zone said that flood restoration works already executed included the repair of the damaged upstream right guide bund at Qadirabad Barrage at a cost of Rs70 million, restoration of the breaching section at the same barrage worth Rs250 million, remedial measures for the safety of the J-head spur in Burala Division at Rs30 million, provision of dowel in critical reaches for free board at Qadirabad Barrage costing Rs80 million, and construction of pushta to cover the hydraulic grade line worth Rs110 million.
Additionally, restoration of the launched apron and pitching at Qadirabad Barrage was completed at a cost of Rs50 million, while Rs60 million was spent on protecting and strengthening the damaged choking bomb on the downstream left side of the barrage.
Meanwhile, the office of the Chief Engineer, Faisalabad Irrigation Zone, has estimated that additional restoration and flood-prevention works worth Rs3.17 billion are required before the next monsoon season.
Field surveys conducted by the department have identified urgent needs across divisions including Khanki, Qadirabad, Burala, Jhang, and Khairwala.
The proposed works include the rehabilitation of breach sites, strengthening of eroded banks, construction of protective pushtas and bunds, repair of spurs and studs, restoration of main drains, and bed clearance of inlets along the Ravi and Chenab rivers. According to sources, if approved, these measures will significantly enhance flood preparedness and minimize risks to lives, property, and irrigation infrastructure in the region.
