Govt takes action against water theft from Chashma Canal

There are more than 700 illegal water pumps installed on 170 mile-long canal

DERA GHAZI KHAN: A strategy has been evolved to confiscate more than 200 illegal water pumps installed in Chashma Canal in Dera Ghazi Khan. Further, those found guilty of stealing water from the canal will be arrested.

Effective action will be taken in this regard within the next seven days. This was decided during a recent meeting held at the commissioner’s office. The meeting was chaired by Dera Ghazi Khan Deputy Commissioner Waqas Rasheed.

The DC stated that action would take place indiscriminately against those stealing water from the canal. He added that efforts to acquire water from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration will also be made.

Chashma Right Bank Canal Project in doldrums

Chashma Canal stretches for approximately 170 miles. Out of this, 64 miles is within Punjab, revealed officials during the briefing. However, there are more than 700 illegal water pumps installed within the jurisdiction of both provinces, they added. A large chunk of water is stolen through around 500 pumps in KPK and 200 pumps in Punjab. The portion of the canal lying within Dera Ghazi Khan is supposed to release 4,879 cusecs of water. However, the water released is around 38% less than this number.

Reportedly, a few influential individuals are also involved in stealing canal water. At least 50 cases have been registered in Dera Ghazi Khan against 405 culprits. Only 11 have been arrested so far. As a result of stealing canal water, farmers at the tail end are deprived of water.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2019.