The Sindh government has estimated that Rs 40 billion would be required for overhauling the province’s irrigation system, participants of a meeting of held at the Chief Minister’s House on Friday were informed.
They were also told that the Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD), which was responsible for the disaster in Badin and its adjoining districts, will be modified.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah directed the officers and engineers of the Irrigation Department to drain rainwater from the affected areas of Mirpurkhas and other districts on a war-footing basis.
“President Asif Ali Zardari is more concerned about present situation, as many areas are still submerged and the new monsoon season is likely to start between July and August,” he said.
“As such, prompt precautionary measures need to be evolved for addressing the current lapses and protecting the irrigation system, the agricultural set-up and other parts of the infrastructure,” he added.
Shah directed that efforts should be made to divert the water of the LBOD into the natural water paths.
Regarding hindrances, obstacles and illegal encroachments on the natural water paths, Shah said legal action should be taken to have them removed. He further directed that there should be no more delay as far as draining water from the flood-hit areas is concerned.
The chief minister told the Irrigation Department to further improve its performance and implement schemes to revive its reputation.
He directed the irrigation secretary to prepare a road map for draining flood water. The participants of the meeting were informed that 83 percent water has been drained so far and 17 percent is still inundating the affected districts.
Finance Minister Murad Ali Shah said the LBOD will be modified and the water from natural water paths will be disposed of in Shakoor Lake. Wherever the pathways are disrupted by cuts, siphons will be constructed.
He said the estimated cost for overhauling the irrigation system is Rs 40 billion.
Irrigation Minister Jam Saifullah Dharejo said the Irrigation Department will undertake the development and rehabilitation work as early as possible, while quality and transparency will also be ensured.
The irrigation secretary informed the participants of the meeting that a scheme costing Rs 5 billion for supplying the saline water of the LBOD to Thar has been approved and work on it will be started soon.
