HYDERABAD, May 28: The Sindh Water Committee (SWC) has condemned the allocation of Rs2.5 billion for construction of the disputed greater Thal canal in the next year’s annual development programme.

A spokesman for the SWC in a statement issued here on Tuesday said the allocation of funds for the “illegal and unconstitutional” canal project had confirmed the fears that the central government was under the influence of the Punjab government and not a mediator to reduce tension among the provinces and people.

He said the government should listen to the people of Sindh to redress their apprehensions regarding the canal.

He said Sindh had always been a prosperous province but its people had been made impoverished through the theft of its monetary, water and other resources.

The SWC demanded an immediate end to the construction of the Thal canal and dissolution of Wapda.