The Sindh government has begun preparations to introduce a new Sindh Water Law under the guidance of the Sindh Water Policy 2023.
In this regard, Sindh’s Minister for Irrigation, Jam Khan Shoro, and Irrigation Secretary, Zarif Iqbal Khero, held an important meeting with a delegation from the World Bank. The delegation included Mr. Bekele Debele (Lead Water Resource Management Specialist), François Onimus, and Mr. Zelalem Tesfaye Mekonnen. Project Director Nazir Memon, Additional Secretary Athar Behzad Memon, and other officials also participated in the meeting. According to the spokesperson, the meeting reviewed detailed progress on the SWAT Project and the drafting of the new Sindh Water Law.
The spokesperson for the Irrigation Department stated that a committee comprising officials from the Irrigation Department and SEDA will finalize the legal draft by next month and present it to the Sindh Ministry of Irrigation.
Minister Jam Khan Shoro said that the bill will then be submitted for approval to the provincial cabinet and the Sindh Assembly. He stated, “This law will be a milestone for equitable water distribution, improved management, and environmental protection in Sindh.”
He further added that the new Sindh Water Law is being developed based on the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and the guidance of the Sindh Water Policy 2023. The meeting also included discussions on the preparation of the Sindh Strategic Water Plan and the institutional framework of the HAI Program.
Both parties agreed to strictly adhere to the project’s set timelines and complete all activities according to the defined work plan.