ISLAMABAD, May 29: Sindh Chief Minister Sardar Ali Muhammad Khan Mahar on Thursday protested in the National Economic Council (NEC) over the construction of Greater Thal Canal despite a resolution passed by the Sindh Assembly against it.

Talking to reporters after the NEC meeting, he said he told the meeting that the project could not be implemented under the 1991 Water Accord. He said the provincial assembly had already passed a resolution calling for the project to be reconsidered.

He said the meeting was assured that it was only a flood canal, and not a single drop of water other than that of flood would be released to the canal.

The Sindh chief minister said he also objected to the allocation of Rs250 million for Thar coal, and demanded that at least Rs1 billion should be set aside for it so that progress could be made immediately.

He said the meeting agreed to increase the allocation for this vital project and approved Rs1 billion for it during 2003-04.

He said he also raised the question of sharing the toll collection between the National Highway Authority and the provincial government on a 50:50 basis by transferring these projects to the federal government.

He said the prime minister promised to look into the matter separately.