October 24, 2001	Wednesday	Shaba'an 6, 1422

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MULTAN, Oct 23: The Mango Growers Association (MGA) has expressed concern over the shortage of irrigation water and consequent closure of canals.

In a press release, MGA president Zahid Gardezi said prolonged closure of canals in southern Punjab would affect the agriculture sector. In case of field crops, shortage of water could be countered but horticulture was the area most vulnerable to damage, he added.

The chief said mango orchards in this part of the country were fast losing its greenery.

He maintained more distressing was the fact that the government was increasing power tariff and rates of diesel, making farmers resort to their sources to irrigate their fields and orchards.

He urged the government to discharge water in the canals and to construct water reservoirs to address the farmers’ grievances.

He apprehended wheat sowing might be affected due to shortage of irrigation water.

LOOTED: Dacoits looted valuables and cash worth Rs350,000 from different places here on Tuesday.

Eight dacoits entered the corporation warehouse in Muzaffarabad and held two watchmen hostage at gunpoint. They escaped with Rs150,000 in cash.

In Shah Zeb Colony, three dacoits forced their entry into the house of Shah Nawaz and held his family hostage at gunpoint. They took away gold and cash worth Rs250,000.

Mumtazabad police have registered a case against Shafi, Iqbal and their unidentified accomplice on the complaint of Mr Nawaz.