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The Asian Development Bank has approved an additional $48 million to accelerate key water resource projects in Balochistan, reinforcing efforts to ease the province’s severe water scarcity and complete stalled infrastructure works.
The funding comes as Pakistan’s largest province continues to face worsening drought cycles, declining groundwater levels and growing climate pressures. The new support ensures that delayed components of the Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Project can now move ahead.
ADB said the financing will allow the completion of the Churi Infiltration Gallery, full development of the Siri Toi Dam command area and watershed management work that had been held back due to budget shortages. The bank added that these steps are essential for improving irrigation efficiency, restoring damaged landscapes and protecting communities from soil erosion and floods.
The project includes the installation of an innovative piped water distribution system in the Siri Toi command area, replacing traditional open channels. ADB stated that this modern network will
“deliver higher efficiency, reduce losses and significantly improve service for local farmers.”
Balochistan’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, which sustains 60 percent of its population. However, droughts, weak water management and climate shocks have pushed poverty levels far above the national average. ADB Country Director Emma Fan said the project aims to support livelihoods and expand economic opportunities, particularly for women working in agriculture.
Once completed, the Siri Toi Dam will store 36 million cubic meters of water and secure supply for 16,592 hectares of farmland, including nearly 1,800 hectares under khushkaba rainwater harvesting. The project also includes afforestation, soil conservation and check dams to strengthen long term flood resilience.
The programme, cofinanced by Japan through the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, is designed to build a climate resilient water management system that ensures stable supplies for Balochistan’s future.
