Cholistan: Under the Green Pakistan Initiative, Mahfooz Shaheed Canal is being constructed to irrigate the barren areas of Cholistan. Being pursued in compliance with National Water Policy 2018, this project has been approved by Indus River System Authority.

According to Radio Pakistan, the 176-kilometer-long Mahfooz Shaheed Canal will be constructed on the Sutlej River from Sulemanki headworks to Fort Abbas. The total amount of water in the canal will be 4120 cusecs. It will utilize flood water from June to October, while during the remaining period, it will draw water from the share of Punjab province.

The Punjab government has leased 1.2 million acres of land and earmarked 225.34 billion rupees for this project. Millions of acres of land will be irrigated and made cultivable after the completion of this canal project.

Agri experts have termed this project significant for Pakistan’s future, saying it will benefit farmers and help overcome challenges like food security.