PREAMBLE

BALOCHISTAN IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE AUTHORITY ACT, 1997 BALOCHISTAN IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE AUTHORITY ACT, 1997 An Act to provide for streamlining the Irrigation and drainage system in the Province of Balochistan [Gazette of Balochistan, Extraordinary, 19th July, 1997] No.PAB/Legis.V(3)/97, dated 19‑7‑1997.‑‑The Balochistan Irrigation and Drainage Authority Bill, 1997 having been passed by the‑ Provincial Assembly on 7th July, 1997 and assented to by the Governor of Balochistan, is hereby published as an Act of the Provincial Assembly. Preamble.‑‑Whereas it is expedient to replace the existing administrative set‑up and procedures with more responsive, efficient and transparent arrangements to achieve economical and effective operation and maintenance of the irrigation, drainage and flood control system in the Province; And whereas it is expedient to ensure equitable and assured distribution of irrigation water and to provide effective drainage and flood control to the affected lands in the Province; And whereas it is expedient and necessary to make the irrigation and drainage network sustainable on a long term basis and introduce participation of beneficiaries in the operation and management thereof; And whereas it is expedient to improve the efficiency of utilization of water resources and minimize the drainable surplus; And whereas it is expedient to transform the Irrigation Wing of the Provincial Irrigation and Power Department into an autonomous Authority and progressively establish "Area Water Boards" and "Farmers' Organizations" for development and management of the Irrigation, drainage and flood control infrastructure of the Province; It is hereby enacted as follows:‑‑