Sindh''s concerns grow: Irsa advisory body to review water situation on May 15

The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) has convened an emergency meeting of Irsa advisory committee on May 15, 2018 to review the water situation and anticipated criteria for Kharif 2018. The purpose of the meeting to be presided over by Chairman Irsa Ahmad Kamal is to redress the concerns of Sindh currently facing severe water shortage due to which farmers are unable to sow their crops. The meeting will be attended by Irsa members, Provincial Secretaries of Irrigation and Food and Wapda officials.
Chairman Senate has constituted a special committee under the chairmanship of Senator Maula Box Chandio to discuss the water crisis in Sindh and find a solution to avert drought-like situation. The committee has held two meetings but there has been no concrete outcome as Irsa Chairman made it clear that the Authority''s mandate is to simply distribute available water to the provinces in accordance with Water Accord 1991.
Chairman Irsa argued that the country was facing water scarcity due to a change in weather patterns adding that his mandate does not allow him to take a decision on the water crisis facing Sindh today.
In the last meeting, he proposed that Sindh government should convince the Punjab government to allow it to use its water share at present and later make adjustments. This should be acceptable to Punjab as sowing in Sindh is earlier than in Punjab. Presently, both Punjab and Sindh are facing about 40 percent shortage, negatively impacting on sowing in Sindh and southern Punjab.
According to Irsa spokesperson CJ link canal has been closed totally whereas Thal canal of Punjab has reduced to 2,000 cusecs from 3,500 cusecs. The share of Taunsa canals has slashed from 6,000 cusecs to 3,000 cusecs. Sindh share has also been reduced from 50,000 cusecs to 43,000 cusecs.
Balochistan demand is 8,000 cusecs but it has been decided to continue release of 6,000 cusecs. The share of KP was 3,100 cusecs.