BAHAWALPUR: The Punjab IrrigationDepartmenthasfinalised a scheme to upgrade about a century-old Panjnad Headworks near Uch Sharif, about 70kms from here.

It is learnt that the scheme aimed at increasing the water discharge capacity from the headworks will be funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Confirming to Dawn,Bahawalpur zone`s chief engineer Muhammad Younus Bhatti said under the proposed plan, which was estimated to cost Rs18.158 billion, its bays would be increased from existing 30 to 47 and the water discharge capacity from 700,000 cusecs to about 865,000 cusecs.

He said the provincial irrigation department had forwarded the scheme for approval to higher authorities and its onward passage to the ADB for its final approval.

He said that 17 more bays (spillways) would be added to the present strength of 30 because the bed of the headworks was vast andhad an ample space.

Mr Bhatti said the increase in the number of bays would help ease the water flow, particularly during the flood season, from the Panjnad Headworks.

The chief engineer said he was hopeful that with the funding of the scheme by the ADB, the work on the plan could be taken in hand in due course of time. The headworks was built in 1932 with 30 spillways. The peak of over 700,000 cusecs had been passing through it during the past flood seasons raising an alarm for the authorities of any damage to the structure.

This necessitated the government to give a serious thinking toraise the existing water capacity discharge from it.

TAKEN OVER: Prof Dr Talat Afza on Friday took over as the first vice chancellor of the Government Sadiq College Women University (GSCWU), Bahawalpur, from Prof Dr Qaisar Mushtaq, the vice chancellor of Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB), who held women university`s additional charge since Jan27,2015.

The post of GSCWU VC had been lying vacant since the establishment of the university on March 18, 2013, after disbanding the Government Sadiq Degree College for Women.

Since the upgradation of thewomen college, there was no permanent VC of the GSCWU and its affairs were being looked after by giving an additional charge to various VCs of IUB from time to time.

LICENCES: Punjab Food Secretary Dr Pervaiz Ahmed has said those engaged in the business of restaurants and eateries should seek licences from the health department.

He said this while presiding over a meeting here on Friday.

Commissioner Saqib Zafar briefed the secretary about the performance of the Punjab Food Authority and the divisional task force of the Bahawalpur division.