Lahore: Punjab Minister for Irrigation, Mian Muhammad Kazim Ali Pirzada, has declared the trial water release into the New Jalalpur Canal a success, marking a pivotal step in the enhancement of the province’s irrigation system and agricultural self-reliance. The trial, conducted from the Rasul Headworks on the River Jhelum, involved senior officials and technical staff who ensured the operation was closely monitored.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the New Jalalpur Canal is a key irrigation initiative designed to deliver canal irrigation to the rain-fed regions of Jhelum and Khushab districts. The project aims to increase agricultural output, decrease reliance on groundwater, and augment the socio-economic conditions of local farmers. The canal spans approximately 117 kilometers and is set to irrigate nearly 170,000 acres of farmland, potentially transforming agricultural practices in the area and bolstering food security in Punjab.

The Minister emphasized the historical significance of the River Jhelum, noting its longstanding role in the prosperity and agriculture of Punjab. He highlighted that the successful trial marks a new era in the river’s history, characterized by progress and sustainable water management. The Punjab Irrigation Department remains committed to employing modern engineering techniques and advancing the province’s irrigation network to support agricultural growth through strategic development initiatives.