ISLAMABAD: The Senate was informed on Thursday that the government will announce a water policy within the next ten days.
Replying to a query during questions hour, Water Resources Minister, Syed Javed Ali Shah apprised that a high-powered meeting discussed water policy aimed at addressing the issue of water scarcity on Thursday.
He informed that the policy is being finalized in consultation with the relevant provincial authorities and pointed out that during the forthcoming Rabi season, the country may face a water shortage of twenty per cent, however, that the shortages will be passed on to Punjab and Sindh provinces while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan will remain exempted.
Javed Ali Shah further informed that a master plan to construct new dams for rainwater preservation and address the issue of water shortage has been prepared.
He said that WAPDA over the years has completed Mangla Dam raising, Gomal Zam Dam, Satpara Dam and Darawat Dam to store water. Additionally, Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand dams are ready for construction, and WAPDA is also planning to construct other dams including dams at Akhori, Shyok and Chiniot.
In response to another question, Housing and Works Minister Akram Khan Durrani said that efforts are being made to launch development work on Bara Kahu housing scheme at the earliest after approval of its modified design by Capital Development Authority (CDA).
He clarified that possession of plots will be handed over after the completion of development work.