This is with reference to M Sial Khan’s letter in which he states he has no objection to other dams like Munda, Gomal Zam, Neelum-Jhelum and even Bhasha but objects to Kalabagh dam.
Obviously, he thinks Punjab will misappropriate water from Kalabagh dam because it is in Punjab. He shows complete ignorance of the fact that under the Water Accord of 1991, the provinces have no direct control over the supply of irrigation water to their canals. They can only raise a 10-day indent of their requirements to IRSA which controls river water distribution.
For his information, IRSA has one representative from Sindh, the federal representative is also from Sindh, since Balochistan gets its water from Sindh, the Balochistan representative always votes with the Sindh representative. Thus Sindh has three votes to one for Punjab.
If Punjab was in control would the Chashma-Jhelum link canal be shut down so frequently despite protests from south Punjab? The left bank canal at Kalabagh dam will also be under control of IRSA and monitored by engineers from the Sindh irrigation department. Mr Sial should rest assured Punjab will not be able steal Sindh’s water.
Should we deny the country 6.1 million acre feet of water, 3600 megawatts of power and the benefits of flood control? Bhasha dam will be too little, too late. Let us have pity on the poor people of the country.
KHURSHID ANWER
Lahore
(II)
A writer from Karachi has written a letter in a section of English press titled “KBD no, Pakistan yes”. He talked about 56 percent people of Pakistan in Bangladesh, which were ignored leading to the separation of East Pakistan.
What does he have to say about 56 percent people of Punjab who are being ignored for Kalabagh Dam (KBD) while three provinces having a minority population, including Balochistan which has half the population of Lahore city, are lording over Punjab? Perhaps, he is not aware that the Prime Minister, Mr Yousuf Raza Gilani, has admitted that Kalabagh Dam is a victim of politics.
KBD is an engineering project holding promise of prosperity for Pakistan and it is being held back because of its location in Punjab, which is the grain basket of Pakistan. People opposing KBD can’t become arbiter of our destiny that is threatening the economic viability of Pakistan to the benefit of India.
DR MUHAMMAD YAQOOB BHATTI
Lahore