Daily Times

Sir: Recently I read a column in a newspaper about the water shortage in Sindh. I was astonished to know that the Sindh irrigation department has made a statement saying that water over toppings in various canals is taking place because of mice and other animals that dig holes in the adjoining walls of canals and dams. This is the lamest excuse I have ever heard.

The relevant authorities don’t make the proper arrangements such as digging canals before they overflow, and then lambast each other when it’s time to assign blame. Even if the overtopping occurs in a specific area, the concerned department never bothers to come to the rescue. This is due to the lack of senior engineers in the relevant institution. The provincial governments love to argue that Sindh is never given its due share from the national budget, but even if the little resources allotted to the province are used properly, the situation would not be as bad as it is today.

Chief Justice Saqib Nisar recently visited different parts of Sindh and I believe he has looked into the matter concerning the shortage of water occurring due to mismanagement of canals.

Farooq Ahmed Dhomki

Jacobabad

Published in Daily Times, June 30^th 2018.