KARACHI: The Indus River Systems Authority (IRSA) instructed the Sindh province on Friday to help resolve the irrigation water crisis of Balochistan to contain the likely agitation by the crop growers that may worsen the law and order situation.
According to the sources, IRSA Chairman Sher Zaman Khan has forwarded a letter to Sindh Secretary Irrigation Jamal Mustafa, asking him to personally look into the matter and resolve the matter at the earliest.
“I am to bring the issue of short supplies in Balochistan canal system to your kind notice and am of the considered opinion that you will leave no stone unturned while resolving the complaints of Balochistan province. Both the PatFeeder and Kirthar canal systems of Balochistan province are suffering from severe shortages of water”, Sher Zaman said in a letter, a copy of which is exclusively available with Pakistan Today.
“Despite following the complaints of Balochistan province to Irrigation Department Sindh vide letters No IRSA/CE(0)/11/47887 and IRSA/CE(0)/11/52734 dated 31.01.2018 and 1.2.2018 respectively, no tangible improvement is visible in the system.
“It is also pertinent to mention here that IRSA is releasing water for Sindh and Balochistan provinces even more than their indents to encompass the conveyance losses.
“The farmers’ community is agitating in Balochistan province and are announcing strikes, dharnas and road blocks on the non-availability of water which may create law and order situation in the province.
“IRSA will appreciate your personal intervention for resolving the issue and for the issuance of strict directions to allied/concerned staff for provision of legitimate irrigation supplies to Balochistan province as per IRSA authorization without any delay”, it concluded.
