AKRSP Inaugurates Irrigation Channel to Benefit 1,800 People and Irrigate 3,000 Kanal of Land in Shimshal, Hunza
Chitral Times Report
Gilgit: The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) has completed the construction of an irrigation channel in Rech Das Shimshal Hunza, bringing water to thousands of hectares of arid land. The project, which cost 16.6 million rupees, was inaugurated on March 21, 2023. AKRSP collaborated with the local community to fund the project, with 16 million rupees provided by AKRSP and approximately 600,000 rupees contributed by the local community.
The project was inaugurated by Senior Minister of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, Col. (R) Abaid Ullah Baig, accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Gojal, Muhammad Zulqarnain Khan, Regional Programme Manager of AKRSP, Yasmeen Qalandar, and a large number of community members.
The 5,800-feet-long channel was initially constructed by the community but was unable to carry water from the source to the land. Recognising the need for improved irrigation, AKRSP stepped in and started the pipe irrigation project to carry water to the 3,000 kanal of land from the source. The project will benefit over 230 households comprising more than 1,800 people across four different villages and eight Village Organizations and Women’s Organizations.
Speaking on occasion, Senior Minister Col. (R) Abaid Ullah Baig said, “The government is grateful to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and AKRSP for this unique project. It is a great contribution to the government’s massive plantation drive.”
Regional Programme Manager of AKRSP, Yasmeen Qalandar, said, “We are proud to have contributed to this project and remain dedicated to supporting the community in the future. Our objective is to promote sustainable development in the region, and this project represents a significant stride towards achieving that aim.” The community expressed gratitude to AKRSP for their support, stating that this project would improve their quality of life and future generations in Rech Das Shimshal.
In addition to the irrigation project, AKRSP and the government plan to plant 100,000 trees this year, promoting environmental sustainability in the region. AKRSP has also planned to irrigate the entire 3,000 kanal of land, increasing the area under irrigation, food, fuel wood and fodder security, livestock holding, income generation opportunities, and minimising water losses through seepages.