‘Sindh to give 2,000 cusecs of water to Balochistan’

Federal minister for water resources says Balochistan claims that Sindh is stealing its water

HYDERABAD:

The Federal Minister for Water Resources Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah has announced that Balochistan will be given 2,000 cusecs of water from Sindh's share.

Talking to the media in Sukkur on Monday, Shah claimed that there is no water shortage at Guddu Barrage.

"There is no problem of water shortage in the country, and it is hoped that there will be no problem of water shortage in Rabi season as well," he said. "After many years, the level of Tarbela Dam has increased to 12.6 feet after which the spillways of Tarbela Dam have been opened," he added.

Earlier, a delegation from Balochistan headed by the Balochistan Irrigation Minister Muhamamd Khan Lehri, met Shah after visiting Sukkur Barrage. The Balochistan Assembly speaker and irrigation secretary were among the delegation to present concerns of the Balochistan government regarding the water issue.

The Balochistan delegation complained that Sindh is stealing Balochistan's water from Girring regulator. The meeting formed a committee, which will comprise officials of the two provinces, to regulate the water flows to ensure a just distribution.

Shah told the media, "In the meeting with the delegation of Balochistan, we have heard their concerns. There is some water issue which they have the right to discuss. We have addressed some of their concerns and some will be resolved in the meeting on July 6 next. 2,000 cusecs of water will be provided to Balochistan," he stated.

Meanwhile, Shah said that the current government would definitely complete its constitutional term, adding that the caretaker setup would be installed in mid-August after the completion of the term.

He said that an emergency would have to be imposed to extend the term which, he stated, would not be a good thing.

"An agreement has been reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). After this agreement, the situation will improve because there were other issues too, with international organisations besides IMF, that will now be resolved," he pointed out.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4^th, 2023.