To hide their inefficiency, department blames famers for constructing illegal embankments
DADU: Battered by continues drought, the Kachho area in Sindh received ample water flow from the Nai Gaj dam. Soon lush green organic crops of cluster beans will grow. Underground water and natural fauna would get a new lease on life.
In Punjab and Balochistan, governments are constructing culverts, lining water courses and supporting the farmers in every possible way. Here in Sindh, spate irrigation has been neglected.
Not too long ago, the famers affected by continued drought desperately needed financial support for the construction of embankment dams. But no support was offered by the government. A few courageous farmers took the lead in collecting donations and bearing the remaining expenses themselves. The collective spirit was high. These farmers were able to convince local tractor owners to work without any profit. They eventually succeeded in its construction.
However, when water from upstream irrigation fields started heading downstream, the bridges broke up from several points due to the lack of culverts. It was only after consistent cry for help on social media that concerned departments came into action. However, when they did, they were not able to handle the gushing water. To hide their inefficiency, the department blamed famers for constructing illegal embankments. This sorry state of affairs is not only creating inconvenience to the people in the village but also holding back water from those that desperately need it.
My humble request to the deputy commissioner of Dadu and elected representatives is to fix this inconvenience and do the needful at the earliest.
Gulsher Panhwer
Published in The Express Tribune, July 30th, 2019.
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