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Project Life Cycle of the Kachi Canal Project

Amir Ali

19-35

BPA (Morning)

8th Semester

Project Management

Submitted to: Mam Zermina

Department of Political Science

Bahauddin Zakriya University. Multan

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Project Life Cycle of the Kachi Canal

Project

Introduction

The Kachi Canal Project is a significant infrastructure endeavor in Pakistan, spanning 499

kilometers and extending from the Taunsa Barrage at the Indus River to Balochistan. Its primary

objective is to provide a sustainable irrigation water supply to agricultural lands, benefiting

72,000 acres in Balochistan and 30,000 acres in Punjab. With an estimated cost of Rs. 80.5

billion, the project has faced various challenges, leading to its timeline and budget revisions. To

understand the project better, let's examine it through the lens of project management, using the

four phases: initiation, planning, execution, and closing.

Initiation Phase

The initiation phase marked the project's inception in 2002, officially launched at the Taunsa

Barrage. The purpose was to address the growing demand for irrigation water in Balochistan.

The project aimed to irrigate 102,000 acres of land in the Dera Bugti district, making it the first
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phase of implementation. Despite encountering cost and time overruns, Phase 1 was completed

in August 2017, with its inauguration taking place on September 14, 2017.

Planning Phase

The planning phase involved an extensive assessment of the project's requirements, resources,

and potential risks. It was determined that the Kachi Canal Project would be divided into three

phases. Phase 2, set to take place in Bolan and Naseerabad districts, aimed to irrigate 267,000

acres of land. However, as of the current status, Phase 2 has not yet commenced, and its 60-

kilometer section in Balochistan, known as KC-7, remains untouched.

Execution Phase

The execution phase encompasses the actual implementation of the project activities. In the case

of the Kachi Canal Project, Phase 3 is planned to cover districts Bolan, Naseerabad, and Jhal

Magsi, irrigating approximately 344,000 acres of land. However, similar to Phase 2, Phase 3 has

not started, and the 40-kilometer section in Balochistan, referred to as KC-8, remains pending.

Closing Phase

The closing phase represents the conclusion of the project and includes activities such as

finalizing documentation, conducting project reviews, and handing over the completed project to

stakeholders. Since the Kachi Canal Project is still ongoing, the closing phase has yet to be
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initiated. However, once all phases are completed, the project will span a total length of 499

kilometers, with Balochistan benefiting from 194 kilometers and Punjab from 304 kilometers of

canal infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Kachi Canal Project, a vital irrigation initiative in Pakistan, has faced several challenges

throughout its implementation. Divided into three phases, the project aimed to provide water

supply to vast agricultural lands. While Phase 1 has been completed, Phase 2 and Phase 3 are yet

to commence. By employing project management principles, including initiation, planning,

execution, and closing, the project stakeholders can navigate the complexities and successfully

complete the remaining phases. Once finished, the Kachi Canal Project will significantly

contribute to the irrigation and agricultural development of both Balochistan and Punjab,

benefiting the local communities and enhancing water resource management in the region.