Farmers protest against small dams on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa canals, citing potential harm to the canal system. The recent government proposal to construct these dams in various districts has faced significant backlash.They argue that the project poses a risk to the canal system and should only be implemented in areas where water flows in canals and rivers year-round.
Farmers highlighted the absence of water in the canals during the winter and monsoon seasons, predicting the project’s inevitable failure. The government’s plan, supported by the Asian Development Bank, includes constructing small dams in Charsadda, Malakand, Mardan, and Kohat districts. Despite completing the tender process, the irrigation department has not yet issued a ‘no objection certificate’ (NOC), delaying the project’s start by several months.
Farmers criticized the plan for being developed without consulting the irrigation and agriculture departments. They reported that both departments’ secretaries have expressed concerns about the project. The farmers view the project as an economic threat to their livelihood, emphasizing that Pakistan’s agriculture, which relies heavily on the canal system, would be adversely affected.
They insisted that small dams should be built in districts with consistent water availability to ensure the project’s success. Farmers pointed to similar projects in Punjab province that failed due to the lack of water, stressing the need for careful planning to benefit the people effectively.
