One day Training session on Geospatial / GIS Technology and it’s Usage in Survey for the BIWRMDP, PMU & PSIA teams .

Quetta: August 5, 2023

(Saeed Yousuf)

The Balochistan Integrated Water Resources Management and Development Project (BIWRMDP) M&E section conducted a one day Training session on Geospatial / GIS Technology and it’s Usage in Survey for the BIWRMDP, PMU & PSIA teams. The event was facilitated by M&E Specialist BIWRMDP Mr. Muhammad Anwar and Provincial Team lead MMP M&E Dr. Faiz Kakar.

Speaking on the session the Project Director BIWRMDP, Engineer. Barkat Ullah Kakar said that, these kinds of innovative technological awareness sessions about Geospatial technology and its usage in survey techniques and alike will boost up the technical expertise of the team, and hoped that knowledge gained from this session will undoubtedly be instrumental in advancing the project’s goals and fostering a brighter water future for Balochistan. But ,also the BIWRMDP continues its mission to improve water management and development practices in Balochistan. Even so, after this session the team will be also be able to use these techniques into the field in a pragmatic manner. In last, Engineer Barkat Ullah Kakar affirmed that such and many more capacity building Trainings will be arranged for the PMU & PSIA teams in the near future where the team cherished and showed their enthusiasm to give there’s best.

The trainers grasped with all the thematic areas that are used in the Geospatial and GIS techniques to the officials of BIWRMDP (PMU) & PSIA team. Elaborating more the Trainers said that, in understanding geospatial surveys, it’s important to know what makes up geospatial data which is usually made up of the following five components that includes Vector Data, Raster Data, Attributes, Geographic Coordinate System and Georeferencing. Trainers asserted that, these components may be used in isolation or in combination with one another. When it comes to surveying, this data is extremely useful to contractors or engineers working on large-scale projects. This is because geospatial surveying provides a comprehensive analysis and complete view of the surrounding environment.

Trainers also said that this is a rather complex and multi-dimensional type of land surveying service. While it does involve traditional land mapping and mobile mapping, it also involves various other disciplines. They said, It offers multiple data formats to provide the exact data you need. Geospatial technology systems broadly include mapping and surveying techniques like global positioning systems, geographic information systems, remote sensing, etc. this system has a unique ability to store, label, and analyze information using spatial systems.

Trainers also shared knowledge regarding the Geographic Information System (GIS) and said that it is a method of data collection that provides spatial information. Ultimately, GIS connects data to a map to show either location data or descriptive information . And , GIS provides a central system to store and view land data. It helps surveyors to easily manage survey information and provide the necessary data.

The session was ended with distribution of Certificates to the participants.

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.

Weekly Progress Review Meeting of BIWRMDP Chaired by Worthy Secretary Irrigation Department Government of Balochistan Mr. Abdul Fattah Bhangar virtually from Islamabad

(Quetta, Islamabad, Karachi): Weekly progress review meeting of BIWRMDP Project was held virtually along with participation from the PMU at Quetta. The meeting was attended from Islamabad virtually by Secretary Irrigation Department Mr. Abdul Fattah Bhangar, Senior water Specialist and Team lead World Bank BIWRMDP Project Mr. Yoro Sidibe, Project Director BIWRMDP Engineer. Barkat Ullah Kakar, Dr. Faiz Kakar and other relevant stake holders . And from Karachi attended by Techno international pvt ltd team lead Mr. Lakani and other, and from Quetta PMU the team project implementing partners and consultants of BIWRMDP participated.
The meeting agenda was to discuss the details and progress of the two water basins ongoing physical progress, in addition the meeting have thorough discussions about the coming project of Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project (IFRAP). The meeting main focus was to speed up the ongoing feasibility work of the improvement of Quetta Water supply system for preparation of Balochistan water security and productivity improvement.
The meeting was briefed about the new project in relation to making of PC1 and other necessary documentation about the integrated flood resilience and adaption project. The meeting was briefed about the IFRAP background and told that The Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project (IFRAP) will provide housing reconstruction grants to approximately 35,100 homeowners to rebuild their homes following resilience standards and livelihood grants to smallholder farmers to support livestock, promote climate-smart agriculture and other productive activities. It will also help restore essential services by rehabilitating damaged community infrastructure and facilities such as water supply, irrigation, roads, and community facilities.
In the meeting the Techno firm lead Mr. Lakani and his team from PMU Quetta briefed about the feasibility study they are working in connection to coverup all the aspects and gaps which were identified in all of the previous meetings. On the occasion Secretary Irrigation Mr. Abdul Fattah Bhanger appreciated the support and said that the severity of potable water for Quetta is really alarming. Adding more he said that by bringing together various stakeholders and experts, the initiative showcased the government’s dedication to addressing the water needs of Quetta residents. As the proposed strategies and plans take shape, it is hoped that Quetta will witness a significant improvement in its water supply, ensuring a better and sustainable future for its citizens. The meeting was concluded with vote of thanks to and from the chair.

Project Director Engineer. Barkat Ullah Kakar chaired the meeting of Progress review of Social and Environmental Components.

Project Director Engineer. Barkat Ullah Kakar chaired the meeting of Progress review of Social and Environmental Components. The chair was briefed about the components Project Director directed the concerned to speed up the pace of these both components. He said Social and Environmental components are very important that have direct impact to the general public of both of these sectors have futuristic effects. The Concerned assured to speed up the pace.