The National Economic Council, which met here on Monday, approved the national programme of small dams, under which the government will construct 314 dams across the country. Total cost of the programme has been estimated at Rs 54 billion. The PSDP allocation for next fiscal is Rs 10 billion. These dams will be constructed over a period of 4 years. According to the document of NEC, 23 small dams will be constructed in NWFP, 43 in Punjab, 23 in Sindh, 215 in Balochistan and 10 in Federal Area. The hydro potential will also be harnessed. The programme will help in storing water and contribute to power generation. The NEC identified the areas which needed government attention in the Annual Development Plan 2008-09. These are Thar coalfield, Gwadar port, Keti Bundar, mechanised farming, water conservation, etc.