Farmers’ leaders in Mirpurkhas have warned about the severe water shortage endangering the local agricultural economy. Today, the Tail Abadgar Welfare Association stated that the severe water scarcity in the tail ends of various sub-divisions of Nara Canal is driving the region’s agricultural sector towards disaster.
During a press conference at the Mirpurkhas Press Club today, prominent agricultural representatives, including Zahid Noon, Professor Yousuf Rajput, and Mir Ijaz Talpur, highlighted the alarming situation. Despite the availability of approximately 14,000 cusecs of water in Nara Canal, reports indicate a 75% water shortage in the tail branches of areas like Umerkot, Nabi Sar, Naukot, and Khipro. This shortage is severely damaging thousands of acres of crops and causing a severe economic crisis for farmers and agricultural workers.
Farmer leaders have accused influential individuals of being involved in water theft, breaking canal banks, and installing unauthorized pipes. Reports indicate that around 220 illegal lift machines are operating at the start of Nara Canal, exacerbating the crisis.
Adding to the challenges, the leaders pointed out that despite the ban, rice has been cultivated over approximately 200,000 acres, further depleting water resources. They expressed concern over the alleged inaction of the irrigation and revenue departments, attributing it to corruption and political interference, which has rendered these departments ineffective against powerful entities.
The leaders have urged the Pakistan People’s Party to address India’s alleged water aggression and the ongoing injustices faced by Sindh’s farmers. They questioned why tail-end farmers are not receiving their rightful share of water, despite its availability in the canal system, and criticized the silence of the relevant ministers on this grave issue.
As a decisive action, farmer leaders have warned that if water supply to the tail branches is not restored within a week, they will hold a full-scale protest sit-in on July 20 in front of the Mirpurkhas Press Club, the Commissioner’s office, and the Director of Nara Canal’s office.