Punjab government has approved rehabilitation and upgradation of Qadirabad Barrage on the River Chanab in district Hafizabad as a part of flood protection and water conservation measures. The project costing Rs 500 million also includes River Training Works of right marginal bund in district, District M B Din and to make the sprawling barrage site as one of the best fishing or outdoors adventure and picnic locations in the Gujranwala division.

Qadirabad Barrage is one of the major Engineering components of Indus Basin project. It was constructed as a part of Rasul - Wazirabad - Balloki - Sulemanki Link Canal system in 1967. The Barrage length between the abutments is 3376 feet. There are 50 spans, having length of 60 feet between each pier. To cope with the flood situation, river training works were also provided.

Qadirabad Balloki link canal off takes from Qadirabad barrage. It transfers Mangla releases to Ravi River for its utilization in the areas which were previously irrigated by Ravi River and River Sutlej. It supplies irrigation water to approximately 6 million acres of cultivatable land.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2018