Peshawar, In a significant step towards modernizing its irrigation infrastructure, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has introduced the Indus Telemetry System, an advanced technology designed to improve water resource management across the province.

According to Directorate General Information and PRs – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the announcement was made by the Minister of Irrigation, Aqibullah Khan, during a function focused on irrigation reforms. Minister Khan highlighted that while 34 percent of the province’s land is cultivable, a staggering 66 percent remains barren due to inadequate irrigation facilities. He pointed out that with 30% of water currently wasted, the adoption of necessary reforms, like the telemetry system, is crucial.

The event also saw contributions from other key figures, including Secretary of Irrigation Muhammad Tahir Orakzai and representatives from the International Water Management Institute and USAID. Orakzai emphasized the need for collective efforts and teamwork to address encroachments and other issues hindering effective water management.

The newly inaugurated Indus Telemetry System will utilize advanced sensors to monitor water flow depth and velocity in canals remotely, providing real-time data crucial for the efficient allocation and use of water resources. This system is already operational in several major canals, including the Upper Swat Canal, Tanda Irrigation Main Canal, and the Pahor High Level Canal, as well as the inter-provincial Khanpur Dam Left Bank Canal.

This technology is expected to transform how water is managed in the region, ensuring better usage and less waste, aligning with the province’s broader goals of enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.