SUKKUR, July 22: The downward trend in water level at Guddu Barrage continued during the last few days adding another 20,000 cusec loss to the already 50,000 cusec deficit at the start of the week.

The irrigation authorities have failed to find any reason that has resulted in the reverse trend during the last week of July. They, however, admit that the water level should have been much higher from the present point during the period and also with an upward trend that should lead to flood situation in the barrage.

The unprecedented situation has forced the authorities to curtail the flow of water in Khairpur West, Rice, Begari and Ghotki Canals.

Taking into account the low input in the barrage, the irrigation authorities in Sukkur had first taken the permission from competent authorities to stop release of water in the Khairpur West Canal. However, the move created a hue and cry from the farmers and other people who staged a series of protest demonstrations and sit-ins prompting the department to refrain from the canal closure.

Instead, the authorities allowed the department to reduce the water level in the canal by two feet. Similarly, the water level at Rice Canal was also reduced by one feet.

Setting aside the discussion on the reasons for the water deficit, the irrigation officials told Dawn on Monday that the shortage of water would be brought under control within a week.

They based their claim on the five-feet increase in the pond level of Tarbela Dam due to rains and melting of snow on Skardu mountains.

“Bulk water is very much expected to arrive at Guddu from Tarbela during the next week which will enable the irrigation department to restore the sufficient level in canals,” the officials said.

They said that owing to the water crunch these days, water level in Begari Canal had been reduced by 8,000 cusecs and in Ghotki Feeder by 3,000 cusecs.

They pointed out that the pond level at Sukkur Barrage also declined from 198.8 to 198.1 making it difficult for the department to maintain the normal flow in different canals.

Due to the measures, they added, the tail-enders of Jacobabad, Dadu, Khairpur and other areas under the command of Kotri Barrage were facing a severe shortage.

They indicated that the water level in Kotri Barrage upstream is only 38,800 cusecs while it is zero downstream. “No water is available for release to the sea for the last four days,” they said.

LATEST POSITION: Tarbela was flowing at 235,000 cusecs upstream and 170,000 cusecs downstream while Chashma was flowing at 210,000 cusecs upstream and 175,000 cusecs downstream on Monday.