Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (SIDA) revealed on Monday that Kotri barrage and its off-shoot canals are facing a water shortage of about 50 percent of its season share.
SIDA’s spokesman Hizbullah Mangrio said that as per Indus River System Authority (IRSA) 1991 Water Accord, the barrage should have a water discharge of 34,200 cusecs. However, it was receiving a flow of 17,630 cusecs only, he added. Similarly, two of a total of 4 off-shoot canals of the barrage – which are controlled by SIDA – are also facing a shortfall.
According to Mangrio, the New Fuleli Canal was flowing at 6,765 cusecs against its seasonal discharge of 13,330 cusecs showing a shortage of approximately 49 percent. Akram or the Line Channel was also experiencing a shortage of 41 percent with the water discharge reading at 2,050 cusecs against its July share of 3,460 cusecs.
Mangrio said that due to such conditions, SIDA was unable to ensure the supply of water to tail end growers who would consequently suffer crop losses. He added that SIDA was implementing water rotation in all areas under its jurisdiction, with the situation expected to improve over the next 10 days. He expressed hope that water rotation would be brought to an end after 10 days.
