NA panel directs FBR to return dam’s funds
According to sources, the federal government took control of the Rs50 billion funds to bypass the PTI-led provincial government and to instead spend the funds on recommendations from politicians belonging to the coalition government. photo: file
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Water Resources on Tuesday directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to pay back the remaining amount deducted from the account of Naulong Dam.
The NA committee, headed by Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, was informed that the FBR had deducted Rs1,916 million from the account of Naulong Dam in 2018-19. The money was actually released under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for construction of the dam.
Owing to the deduction, the dam could not be constructed, prompting different forums to direct the FBR to pay back the amount. FBR chairman, in a previous meeting of the standing committee, revealed that the amount was being returned to Wapda and necessary documentation had also been completed.
The Ministry of Water Resources told the committee that Rs1,270 million had been paid back to Wapda but still over Rs600 million was remaining. The committee gave directives that the remaining funds may also be paid to Wapda forthwith.
It stressed that the FBR chairman should attend the next meeting and submit a compliance report.
The standing committee was informed that the distribution of Indus water was being made under the supervision of Indus River System Authority (Irsa). But Balochistan was not receiving its due share. A representative of Sindh pointed out that they were facing a technical problem at Sukkur Barrage where they could not release water unless it reached a certain level.
In case of Guddu, they were releasing water supplies. But they did not receive the due share of water there. On the occasion, Irsa proposed two solutions. Under the short-term solution, it was suggested that the staff of Sindh and Punjab irrigation departments should sit at Panjnad, Taunsa and Guddu on a reciprocal basis and report how much water was being released.
Moreover, reports may also be verified with actual measurement of water supplies from time to time. In the long run, according to Irsa, a telemetry system is being placed at seven points, which will be helpful in the accurate measurement of water discharge.
Calling it an old issue, the standing committee emphasised that Irsa should address it forthwith and submit a written report. Moreover, it underlined the need for a rapid installation of the telemetry system.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2023.
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