Rahim Yar Khan is struggling from a severe water crisis that can destroy crops in the region. According to a survey conducted by a private media outlet, approved water supply of 15,000 cusecs to Head Banjand and the Shashmahi streams annually has fallen to 5,500 cusecs. Thus, 48 large and small streams have faced closure.
Due to a shortage of water in streams, the cultivation of cotton, sugarcane and rice crops on 300,000 to 400,000 acres of land could not take place during the Kharif season.
Earlier, the local irrigation department had hinted that water flow to streams will be stopped in October due to a water shortage of around 10,000 cusecs. Farmer communities have started a ‘Save Farmers Movement’ to take initiative on the crisis.
Famers have appealed to the chief justice, prime minister and army chief that water scarcity should be resolved so the crops do not suffer.