LAHORE — The Punjab government has announced a significant budget allocation for the upcoming fiscal year, dedicating Rs 61.14 billion to the irrigation sector and Rs 5.73 billion to the energy sector. This announcement was made by Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman during his budget speech at the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday.
Irrigation Development Focus
The minister highlighted the increasing challenges related to water management and outlined the government’s plans to enhance the canal system, minimize water loss, and reinforce irrigation infrastructure. For these crucial initiatives, Rs 30 billion is earmarked for development expenditures, while Rs 31.14 billion is allocated for non-development expenditures for the fiscal year 2026-27.
Major Irrigation Projects
Key projects were detailed by the finance minister, who disclosed an allocation of Rs 95 billion to water resources, irrigation, and flood protection for the current fiscal year. Notable projects include:
- The Umbrella Canal Lining Project (Phase-II), with plans to line 500 kilometers of distributaries and minors.
- The Potohar Small Dams Program, set to expand storage capacity by 100,000 acre-feet.
Flood Resilience Initiative
An allocation of Rs 56 billion is proposed for the Flood Resilience Programme. This initiative aims to support 51 infrastructural schemes in the forthcoming fiscal year, enhancing flood protection and ensuring infrastructure stability.
