Abdul Ghani

Strategic water and irrigation infrastructure projects have been stuck in the slow lane due to extremely low annual allocations, according to a document available with Wealth Pakistan.

The document reveals that the total cost of Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) Lift-cum-Gravity Project stands at Rs189,606 million. However, only Rs100 million was allocated in 2025-26.

For 2026-27, the fund demand for the project is Rs35,930 million under local financing and Rs4,500 million under foreign funding. Despite the significant overall cost, the extremely low annual allocation in the previous fiscal year has raised serious concerns over financial planning and execution pace.

The figures highlight a widening gap between committed project costs and annual budgetary releases, effectively slowing down progress on key water infrastructure initiatives.

Similarly, the Naulong Dam Project, with a total cost of Rs39,944 million, received only Rs300 million in 2025-26. For 2026-27, Rs5,360 million in local and Rs10,660 million in foreign funding has been demanded.

The Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS), costing Rs23,834 million, was allocated Rs4,411 million in 2025-26. For 2026-27, the demanded funds include Rs2,420 million local and Rs30 million foreign financing, with an estimated completion period of 1.5 years.

Meanwhile, the construction of Winder Dam in district Lasbela, with a total cost of Rs15,230 million (revised to Rs21,621 million), received Rs900 million in 2025-26. The 2026-27 demand comprises Rs902.571 million in local financing, with no foreign component. The project is projected to be completed in eight years.

The data underscores a pattern of minimal allocations against massive project costs, resulting in ballooning throw-forward liabilities and unrealistic completion timelines. Analysts warn that unless funding releases align with project requirements, strategic water and irrigation infrastructure may remain stuck in prolonged delays, undermining agricultural productivity and regional development goals.

The proposed allocations are expected to be debated further during budget discussions, as stakeholders push for more realistic financing strategies to ensure timely completion of critical infrastructure projects.

Credit: INP-WealthPk