Palijo calls for attention toward drought in Sindh

Says IRSA responsible for inequitable distribution of water between Punjab and Sindh

HYDERABAD: The recurrent water scarcity and flood situation in the Indus River has been affecting people and their livelihoods in Sindh for the last several years. Referring to the upbeat support for the construction of dams, Qaumi Awami Tehreek's President Ayaz Latif Palijo raised the question of why the Supreme Court and the federal government do not take an equally eager stand on Sindh's plight.



"The water shortage contributes to drought conditions but when there is excess water the province is flooded," observed Palijo, who is also the General Secretary of the Grand Democratic Alliance, in a statement on Thursday. "The question is has the Supreme Court or federal government ever taken notice of this injustice and mercilessness?"

He blamed the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) for these problems, reiterating the charges of inequitable water distribution between Punjab and Sindh during the period of shortage. He said that Chashma Jhelum and Taunsa Panjnad link canals are to be provided water only during the flood season but, against the law, IRSA is allowing flow of water to these canals throughout the year.

The Sindh government has declared drought in six districts while the farmers' lobbying groups demand that the calamity should be declared for the whole province. "Why doesn't the government compensate the thousands of people who are affected due to successive drought and floods in Sindh?" he asked, demanding that theft of Sindh's share of water from the Indus River should be stopped.



Palijo said that the world is producing electricity from solid waste, wind and other resources but, according to him, "In our country the river is always caged with the excuse of power generation and this results in conflicts within the country." He demanded that Sindh should be given its due share of water and adequate water should be released to the sea to stop the intrusion.