Balochistan Integrated Water Resources Management and Development Project and IUCN Pakistan Lead Grand Celebration of International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem in Sonmiani Lasbella

Lasbella, Sonmiani: [28thJuly, 2023] – In a remarkable display of unity and dedication to preserving the natural heritage of Balochistan’s coastal regions, Government of Balochistan and the World Bank funded project, Balochistan Integrated Water Resources Management and Development Project, in technical collaboration with IUCN Pakistan, hosted a momentous celebration of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. The event, held at Baloch Village Sonmiani on 26th July 2023, witnessed the active participation and support of various government departments, community groups, and local residents, making it a truly community-driven effort.

The celebrations commenced with a vibrant ceremony that brought together representatives from the Balochistan Forest Department, Balochistan Coastal Development Authority, and Balochistan Fisheries Department etc. These key stakeholders highlighted the significance of mangroves in maintaining the ecological balance and the sustainable development of coastal areas.
The event also provided a platform for local communities, including fishermen communities and women community groups, to actively participate in the conservation and sustainability efforts. With the guidance of experts and officials, these community members planted mangrove saplings along the Sonmiani coastline, a symbol of their commitment to protect the environment and their way of life.

Reading out the message of Project Director of BIWRMDP Engineer. Barkat Ullah Kakar ,showed his eagerness and welcoming nodes to the stakeholders and community members. In his statement he stated, “Our aim is to revive and safeguard the mangrove forests, which is one of the sub components of the forest and rangeland. In the statement he said that Mangroves play a crucial role in preserving the coastal ecology, supporting fisheries, and mitigating the impact of climate change, and have greater impact for the coastal community’s livelihood. Stated that, The BIWRMDP, in technical collaboration with IUCN Pakistan, stands committed to the conservation and sustainable management of this invaluable ecosystem. Appreciating the enduring results of IUCN, he stated that Our partnership with IUCN Pakistan has been instrumental in crafting effective strategies for mangrove preservation, ensuring the well-being of our environment and coastal communities and these kind of events marks the beginning of a larger conservation effort in the region. Adding more he said a total of 2020 acre area is designated for with 3518840 plants of mangroves for plantation and this component will attain this target in the end of this year hopefully.”

Dr. Babar Hussain and Mr. Danish representing IUCN Pakistan, commended the collective efforts and said, “The preservation of mangrove ecosystems is a shared responsibility, and IUCN Pakistan is honored to contribute its knowledge and resources to safeguard this vital habitat. Our collaboration with the Balochistan Integrated Water Resources Management and Development Project has been fruitful, and we are committed to fostering a green and resilient future for Balochistan’s coastal communities.”
Furthermore, women community groups showcased their dedication to environmental stewardship and said that we are proud to play an active role in this event and appreciated the efforts of BIWRMDP and IUCN.

The local fishermen members expressed their gratitude, and stating, Mangroves have always been our guardian, providing us with a good catch and protecting us from natural disasters. Today, we repay the debt by nurturing these saplings and ensuring their survival for future generations.

Consultation meeting held with Community elders of Sehan Lorlai, chaired by P.D BIWRMDP Engineer. Barkat Ullah Kakar.

Project Director BIWRMDP Engineer. Barkat Ullah Kakar called upon a consultation meeting with the community elders of Sehan District Lorlai in the PMU office Quetta. In the meeting Engineer Barkat Ullah Kakar welcomed the community elders and said that In this project the role of the community participation is crucial as it helps in the identification of problems and solutions, decision-making, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of water resources management plans. Adding more , P.D said that the community can also help in the development of policies that are more responsive to their needs and priorities. He appreciated the optimistic and progressive role of the Sehan Community elders in informing the gaps, success and other related futuristic ideas that will pave the way in implementing the development work in a more adroit manner. He assured to the community elders that the project related ongoing development work if completed will bring a positive change in the community driven projects and water savage. Community elders also apricated the pragmatic role of the BIWRMDP, but requested for expedition of early completion of the ongoing and new projects. Concluding the meeting Engineer. Barkat Ullah Kakar thanked the community elders having meeting and showing their zeal and commitment in the project related activities. He assured that all of their concerns will be addressed.

Provincial Secretary Irrigation visited BIWRMDP schemes at Nari Basin , Sibi.

Provincial Secretary Irrigation Mr. Abdul Fateh Bhangar made a comprehensive and thorough infield inspection of all the ongoing, new and completed projects under the Balochistan Integrated Water Resources Management and Development Project, at Nari Basin. Secretary appreciated the team work of BIWRDMP in project supervision and maintaining standard.
Sibi, Kachii (9th May, 2023): Provincial Secretary Irrigation Mr. Abdul Fateh Bhangar conducted a comprehensive and detailed inspection of all the ongoing, new and completed schemes under the Balochistan Integrated Water Resources Management and Development Project. In the visit the Project Director of BIWRDMP Engineer Barkat Ullah Kakar along with Deputy Project Director Nari Basin Engineer Anush Khan Mulghani, Deputy Director Environment Mr. Abdul Jabbar Kakar, Deputy Director Agriculture Mr. Farid Ahmed Zehri, PSIA Team Leader Mr. Niaz Ahmed Baloch, Team lead M&E firm Dr. Faiz Kakar, Chief Designing Engineer Eng. Shoaib Khan, Communication Specialist Mr.Saeed Yousuf along with all inline departments relevant officials and stakeholders were accompanied with the secretary.
Speaking on the occasion the Secretary Irrigation Department reiterated that project has long lasting impact in Balochistan if it’s all ongoing projects shall be completed on a fast track basis. He said that as he been briefed about the project interventions and the overall integrated water management he said that under this project stakeholders are given a voice in water planning and its management most specifically the women that is one of the positive aspect of the project. The project related schemes have broader social, economic and environmental goals.
He said that water is the only basic of survival and proper planning along with an appropriate modern need policy shall be taken in accord to the coming schemes and projects of irrigation department. He said efforts related to water conservation, climate resilience and population need and demand basis shall be taken in accord. Adding more Fathe Banger said that completed water supply for safe and drinking water projects have a great impact. He said that the project of underground water from Nariguage to the Sibi City shall be completed on urgent basis.
While giving a thorough briefing by the PD BIWRDMP Eng.Barkat Ullah Kakar and DPD Eng. Anoosh Khan Malghani said that a number of projects at different locations are underway for the supply of clean water. They said that an 11 kilometer long underground drinking water channel is under construction that will provide water to Sibi and its adjoin areas. Secretary also visited agriculture water distribution channels, other irrigation and clean drinking water schemes, forestry and wildlife schemes. He said that levelling of barren land, provision of water channels, plantation and vegetation have long lasting effects

Weekly Progress Review Meeting

Weekly Progress Review Meeting with the World Bank’s Team held on Thursday, 14th April, 2022. The worthy Secretary, Irrigation Department and Director General (OFWM) grace the occasion with their auspicious presence to show the commitment and support towards implementation process.