Resolution against six-canal project on Indus River sails through Sindh Assembly

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The Sindh Assembly on Thursday approved a resolution unanimously against the construction of six new canals and its assistants, including its assistants, on Thursday, calling the “illegal and direct” violation of the 1991 Water Agreement “illegal and direct” violation.

“This House demands immediate stop of any projects, activities or work on the construction of Cholistan Canal and other canals on the Indus system, even as long as all provincial governments, especially comprehensive dialogue, consultations and agreements with Sindh, are held to ensure that the rights of Sindh are full.”

It further stressed the Federal Government and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to respect the terms of the 1991 agreement and ensure that the provinces, especially Sindh, get the right part of the water according to the unanimous principles of justice, equality and justice.

The resolution calls on the Center to immediately initiate dialogue with all provincial stakeholders to ensure the protection and protection of Sindh’s water resources in accordance with the constitutional principles of international equity and water justice.

Chief Minister Shah has raised concerns over water rights

Addressing the Provincial Assembly, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah confirmed the historical rights of Sindh on the Indus River and expressed serious concerns about diversifying his waters in other areas.

He emphasized that Sindh has permanently maintained its position on the distribution of water and warned against any attempt to divert water from Sindh without any consent.

In his speech, the Chief Minister provided a detailed historical view on the development of the river system in the subcontinent, which highlighted the long -standing dependence of Sindh on these agriculture waters.

It questioned the rationality behind the transfer of water from the fertile lands of Punjab to Cholistan, and argued that such measures would produce devastating results from both the provinces.

He said, “The people of Sindh have the right claim on these rivers.” He emphasized, “This is a global accepted principle.

CM Shah remembered the previous objections of Sindh on various canal projects, which resulted in agreements like the 1945 Sindh Punjab Water Agreement. “Under this agreement, a fixed shares of water were allocated to the canals of Punjab, while any additional water should be directed by Sindh through the Panjhand system.”

However, he expressed concern that the water available in the system was decreasing rather than increasing, which has badly affected the part of Sindh.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that the population of Sindh is historically four times higher than Punjab, 80 % of it depends on agriculture. He questioned why Sindh should remain silent while new canal projects threaten its less water supply.

“We are being told that water will be taken from the very fertile lands of Punjab and will be diverted to Cholistan and we should not object,” he said. “Will Punjab allow its most productive regions, such as Chaj Doab and Rachna Doab only to dry to irrigate the desert?” He asked.

The Chief Minister reiterated that Sindh has always raised his voice against the unfair distribution of water and he will continue.

He reminded the assembly that past objections from Sindh reached the formation of several commissions and eventually the Sindh Punjab agreement, which set clear guidelines for allocation of water.

With the growing concerns over water scarcity, the Chief Minister urged all stakeholders to follow historical agreements and ensure a fair distribution of water, keeping in view the rights of the people of Sindh.