Daily Times

Sir: IRSA’s spokesman has rightly said that NEPRA has no right to invite objections through its advertisements in newspapers on the proposed establishing Power House at the end of Chashma — Jehlum Link Canal in Punjab without even referring the case to IRSA for prior approval to certify the availability of water in sufficient quantity in the canal, which is mandatory. Not only that but on the objection of Sindh, NEPRA’s spokesman has strangely termed it as “unsuitable”. That shows NEPRA’s partiality.

I am unable to understand that despite the fact that NEPRA is a federally administered organisation and it has to remain impartial to the interests of all four provinces, why NEPRA seems to be bent upon illegally supporting Punjab on water and power issues by taking over powers of IRSA? Punjab wants to establish Power House (44 watts) at the end of the said flood canal since long in order to convert “flood canal” into a permanent one. It would benefit Punjab more on water front whereas 11200 cusecs water will be needed to run the Power House.

Such practice to deliberately neglect concerned department for its prior approval and harm the interests of Sindh relating to water issue is highly objectionable and would definitely harm integrity and unity of the country. I suggest NEPRA to abandon its efforts to work as an agent of Punjab.

MUHAMMAD KHAN SIAL

Karachi