Sindh Assembly Rejects Indus Canal Projects, Demands Federal Consultation
The Sindh Assembly has rejected the construction of new canals from the Indus River, including the Cholistan Canal, citing violations of the 1991 Water Accord.
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly has strongly opposed the construction of six new canals from the Indus River, including the Cholistan Canal, emphasizing that no canal can be built without Sindh’s approval as per the 1991 Indus River Water Apportionment Accord.
Presenting the resolution, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah declared that constructing new canals on the Indus is illegal and will have devastating consequences for Sindh’s water supply. He warned that water shortages are already destroying the Indus Delta, and further diversion of water will exacerbate the crisis.
The resolution categorically rejects all proposed canals and urges the federal government and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to respect Sindh’s constitutional right to be consulted before any new water project is initiated.
PPP Defends Sindh’s Water Rights, Refutes Allegations
Sindh’s Irrigation Minister, Jam Khan Shoro, strongly denied claims that President Asif Ali Zardari had approved the six-canal scheme. He challenged opposition members to produce evidence, reiterating that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has always defended Sindh’s water rights.
He recalled that in 1997, when the Kalabagh Dam project was proposed, the PPP, despite being in opposition, had vehemently opposed it. He highlighted that Benazir Bhutto personally led protests against the dam, ensuring that the project was permanently shelved.
Shoro also reminded the Assembly that PPP leaders Qaim Ali Shah and Nisar Khuhro had previously passed two resolutions against the Thal Canal, further proving the party’s commitment to protecting Sindh’s share of Indus water.
Sindh Demands Water Justice
The Sindh Assembly’s resolution reaffirms the province’s right to safeguard its water resources and warns that any attempt to construct unauthorized canals will be firmly resisted. Lawmakers have urged the federal government to adhere to the 1991 Water Accord, which mandates that Sindh’s consent is required before any modifications to water distribution are made.
Sindh’s leadership remains committed to ensuring fair water distribution, emphasizing that any unilateral decisions by the federal government will be challenged at every level.
