KARACHI: Consensus of all provinces on dams a must: CM
KARACHI, March 30: Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has said that people of Sindh have no objection to storing of water.
He was speaking as chief guest at a seminar on Water For Life held at here on Wednesday under the auspices of the Nara Canal Area Water Partnership (NCAWP), Sindh, on the occasion of the World Water Day.
The chief minister pointed out that there had been heavy rains in the country and snowfall in certain areas. "Had there been some more dams, the water would have been sufficient to fill them up and people would have been able to get more than sufficient water. Therefore, instead of letting this water go waste, we should store this precious commodity."
He also pointed out that Sindh was facing a chronic problem of water shortage while there were calculations about super flood after every five years. As there was no water for five years, construction of dams was also meaningless, he added.
Dr Arbab was of the view that dams should be constructed, but with the consensus of all four provinces. The first priority, he said, should be the Skirdu Dam which would have a capacity of water sufficient for five years to cater to the needs of the entire country. The next priorities, he said, were Bhasha Dam and Kalabagh Dam.
He, however, stated that the Kalabagh Dam was a controversial issue in Sindh.
He said that no one could deny the need for water reservoirs which, besides storing water, would help avert destruction usually caused by floods. He indicated that a sufficient quantity of water would also help generate electricity and that, too, at cheaper cost.
Dr Arbab Rahim told the audience that under a federal government scheme, lining of the water courses had been initiated and the work would be completed in three years. Another such scheme, he added, was also being prepared in collaboration with the World Bank under which lining of canals would be undertaken.
He said that steps were being taken for better utilization of water. For this purpose, land-levelling would be carried out, besides other things like drip irrigation. Measures would also be taken for streamlining the irrigation system, he added.
For supply of drinking water to Karachi, the chief minister said, the K-III project was being executed. Under another scheme, water supply lines in the old area of the city would be repaired and their capacity enhanced.
He also made mention of desalination plants.
Earlier, Ms Hamida Masood Shah, chairperson of the NCAWP, presented the welcome address and emphasized the need for integrated water resource management. She also called for giving due representation to women on various water boards.
Sindh Minister for Irrigation and Water Nadir Akmal Leghari was also present on the occasion.
PAGARA CRITICIZED: Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim said on Wednesday that he was discouraging rallies and strike calls in the province because such activities could disturb normal life.
Talking to journalists before attending a seminar at a hotel here on Wednesday, he said that on Kalabagh Dam issue, he had his own feelings that he would express when necessary.
In reply to a question about the March 31 strike call against the Kalabagh Dam project, he said though it would be premature to comment at this moment, the coming day would prove how many people opposed this project.
“I discourage strikes and rallies as such a rally taken out on Tuesday in Karachi had blocked roads for four-five hours and caused difficulties to people,” he explained.
Observing that there were certain groups in Sindh which were opposing the Kalabagh Dam, Dr Arbab remarked: “Pir Pagara is supporting some of these groups.”
He said there was no public complaint against the government, adding that there were only a few people who were taking out rallies for their own gains.
CITY VISIT: Talking to people during his visit to various areas of the city on Wednesday, the chief minister warned that the organizers of strikes would be booked for any loss of property caused during their protest.
He announced that in Regal Chowk would soon be declared ‘demo-free zone’ where nobody would be allowed to stage a protest.
In his visit, the chief minister went round trade areas along with Chief Secretary Mohammad Aslam Sanjrani, IGP Asad Jehangir and other senior officials.
He talked to traders in the Capital Cloth Market, Paradise Shopping Centre, Electronic Market, Boulton Market, Jodia Bazaar, and the markets along M. A. Jinnah Road.
Dr Arbab told the traders not to heed the strike call and join in the government’s camp. He assured them of full security.
He asked the IGP for measures towards beefed up security and intensified patrolling. He also asked Saddar TPO to arrest anyone found threatening traders.
Office-bearers of various trade organization assured the chief minister that they would not participate in the strike.—APP/PPI
