The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) has revealed that excessive losses and lopsided water distribution at Sindh barrages is depriving tailenders from due share of water. This letter was written by Chairman Irsa Sher Zaman Khan, after PPP Senator Sussui Palijo chided him during a recent meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources. In a letter to Secretary Irrigation Sindh, Chairman Irsa stated that perusal of July 5, 2019 gauges reveal losses of about 56,000 cusecs between Taunsa to Kotri barrages, adding that excessive losses are disturbing water regulation, resultantly lopsided water distribution has been witnessed at Sindh barrages.
Irsa has requested Secretary Irrigation Sindh to adopt best management practices to reduce losses in the system. The water regulator further requested the provincial government to adopt rationalized approach while allocating water to different barrages/canals. "Preference must be given to the areas where farmers are earnestly demanding water for sowing their crops which are already delayed due to shortages of water, especially in the command area of Kotri barrage," he urged.
On July 4, 2019, Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination, Dr Fahmida Mirza summoned Secretary Water Resources and Chairman Irsa regarding review of water situation in the country, especially in the wake of water shortage faced by Sindh. Chairman Irsa briefed her about the Sindh indent and Irsa releases in the system and assured full cooperation for the sowing of Kharif crops in Sindh. He maintained that conveyance losses of about 61,000 cusecs from Taunsa to Kotri are disturbing the Irsa regulation.
The meeting decided that Sindh share should be increased from 180,000 cusecs to 190,000 cusecs immediately to provide relief to the farmers. It was also decided that as per practice during last year's Kharif season, Sindh should immediately call Rangers to control water theft in its canal system. The meeting urged National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to take notice of the corrupt practices in Irrigation Department and Sindh Irrigation & Drainage Authority (SIDA).