Clearing watercourses: Army, Rangers services could be requisitioned: minister

Sindh minister for food, Mir Nadir Magsi, who is also the chairman of Irrigation System Improvement Committee formed by President, Asif Ali Zardari has hinted at assistance of Army, Rangers and police for removal of encroachment from the irrigation system and rooting out water tempering to ensure water availability to growers of the province.
The minister said this while talking to media persons after presiding over a meeting regarding improvement of irrigation system, here at the office of chief engineer irrigation, Kotri Barrage on Sunday afternoon. The minister said unprecedented heavy rainfalls have badly affected irrigation system of the province, causing inundation of many areas of lower Sindh. Besides, heavy rainfall also caused damage to Left Bank Out-fall Drain, which was actually excavated for draining out saline water into sea. In the past, it was helpful in disposing standing rainwater. He added that old natural irrigation system can be improved with minimum allocations, however, huge amount is required for excavation of new water reservoirs in the province.
Among others, chief engineer irrigation Kotri and Sukkur Barrages and Managing Director Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority were present on the occasion.