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The Asian Development Bank has approved an additional 48 million dollars to ensure the timely completion of a major water resources development project in Balochistan. The announcement was made in Islamabad by Emma Fan, the Asian Development Bank’s Country Director for Pakistan.

The ADB stated that the new financing will support critical project components that had been delayed due to funding shortages. These include the Churi infiltration gallery, the development of the Siri Toi Dam command area, and key watershed management activities. The assistance will also reinforce ongoing work in the Zhob and Mula river basins, which form the core of the wider initiative.

▫️Siri Toi Dam: a crucial water storage asset for Balochistan

At the heart of the project is the construction of the Siri Toi Dam, which, once completed, will have a storage capacity of thirty six million cubic metres. The dam is expected to irrigate more than sixteen thousand hectares of agricultural land. In addition, a new piped water distribution network will replace traditional open channels, significantly reducing water losses and improving irrigation efficiency.

▫️Strengthening the agricultural economy of Balochistan

In her statement, Emma Fan noted: “This project will play a central role in improving employment, agriculture and household access to water in Balochistan. It will create better economic opportunities, especially for women.”

She emphasised that Balochistan faces severe drought, climate related pressures and persistent water scarcity. The additional financing, she said, marks an important step towards establishing a sustainable and climate resilient water management system in the province.

▫️SyedShayan dot com Bureau Report