KARACHI, Oct 8: The Pakistan People's Party coordination committee has expressed concern over government's failure to ensure due water share of Sindh from Indus and serious damage to agricultural sector in the province.

The meeting, presided over by Syed Qaim Ali Shah, criticized the government's failure to ensure beginning of sugarcane crushing session in time. The committee alleged that the government was deliberately interpreting the 1994 ministerial meeting as accord and putting the onus on the PPP.

It was observed that according to the 1991 water accord, which was to decide the equitable distribution of water, also provided for surplus and shortages and the criteria of 10 dailies. But in Sept 1991, wrongful induction of the Greater Thal Canal by Punjab was seen in the 10 dailies, the committee observed.

In the 1994 ministerial meeting, the committee stated, there was no agreement between Punjab and Sindh on water share. Until 1999 surpluses and shortages were shared as per the 1991 accord.

In 1999, it was suddenly decided that water would be shared as per historical usage and this in turn led to massive sea intrusion due to non-availability of water for downstream Kotri. This was done despite the assurance given by the upper riparian province.

The committee noted that Sindh should have received 33.94MAF water during Kharif, which was not provided and despite shortage, water was being diverted through the Chashma-Jehlum Link Canal.

It was of the view that water shortage could be artificial to justify the construction of Kalabagh Dam and criticized the chief minister for allegedly failing to improve the water distribution system in the province. The PPP leaders warned that if the crushing was not started immediately it would have serious consequences.