Pakistan: IRSA, Sindh water conflict deepens

IRSA, which regulates water sources of the Indus River, and the Sindh government have been at loggerheads for years over water distribution, reports The Express Tribune.

The latest controversy emerged after the water regulatory body wrote to the Sindh irrigation department, informing of its decision to cut the water share owing to the river inflows overall reduction to a significant level, the newspaper reported.

IRSA Operation Director Mohammad Khalid Idrees Rana wrote in a letter addressed to the Sindh irrigation department where he wrote as quoted by the newspaper, “I’m directed to state that river inflows at rim stations registered a peak of 641,010 cusecs on July 27.

The inflows reduced to 298,000 cusecs on August 8 i.e. is minus 115 percent.’’ The letter added that the Tarbela Reservoir level was at 1,541ft while the level of Mangla stood at 1200.80, which may go below its minimum operating level because of the forecast of no significant rainfalls in coming days."

“Sakardu temperature may range between 27 to 30 degree till August 13 and then further will decrease up to August 20. IRSA is trying to manage the situation by regulating the decreasing supplies to the optimum. It is decided to immediately switch to Para 2 water accord share determining the shares of the provinces, according to which the share of Punjab will be 117,600 cs, Sindh 123,400,” the letter stated

The Sindh government, however, protested against the matter.

“Sindh being the tail ender of the river suffers more water losses than others. So, applying the same losses to all Barrage canals is unjustified,” Sindh Minister Jam Khan Shoro was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune, adding that his department has responded to IRSA and will protest against the decision at all forums.

“Sindh is already suffering from severe water shortage as IRSA and other relevant authorities defy the 1991 Water Accord opening of the Taunsa-Panjnad link canal.”