KARACHI, May 20: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has issued directives for conceiving a mega project for ensuring clean and harm-free water to all areas. In this regard, he called for an organised planning to identify sources of contaminated water in River Indus and emanating canals and their elimination. Reviewing the availability of water in the province, its supply for irrigation purposes in various areas and various irrigation schemes, the governor said steps should also be taken on priority basis for supply of potable water to people.
The meeting was attended by Sindh Minister for Planning and Development Shoaib Bukhari, Chief Secretary Fazlur Rehman, additional chief secretary Ghulam Sarwar Khehro, secretary irrigation, chief engineers of all barrages and other officials.
The irrigation secretary briefed the governor about obtaining water situation and the progress made on irrigation schemes. The governor directed that a comprehensive plan be chalked out to save Manchar lake from further ruination and also for its revival. He pointed out that it is not only the issue of local people and employment of fishermen, but it also has cultural and historic significance.
The governor directed that immediate steps be initiated for increasing the quantity of clean water in Manchar lake. In this regard, there should also be arrangement for pumping, as well as to check inflow of contaminated water into the lake.
The governor told the officials not to wait for completion of RBOD, otherwise, so many families will be uprooted by that time. He said immediate action be initiated while Dhamrah Canal and other options should also be looked into.
He inquired about release of contaminated Manchar lake water into River indus and was informed that Manchar and Indus water ratio was 1:30. It was started from 1:55 but it would not be allowed to go down below 1:30 as per settled formula.
It was informed that one part of water is released into 50 parts of Indus water and before the release of water into river Indus, NGOs were also consulted and after going through all the relevant aspects, this ratio was determined.
Secretary Irrigation said WASA carries out water quality test every four hours and that water from Manchar lake will continue to be released into Indus for the next 40 days.
The governor called for early completion of project regarding sewerage system of Hyderabad as well as disposal of contaminated water into the river and canal so that clean water could reach Thatta and other areas.
He also inquired about the condition of barrages, embankments etc to meet any flood situation.
The chief engineers informed that all the barrages have been inspected and their all parts are safe and stable.
He called for effective monitoring of Rs13 billion irrigation system restoration project and maintaining the quality of work.
He referred to Rs22 billion canal lining project and said there was a possibility of a further increase in the allocation of funds.
The governor pointed out that a major objective of these projects of billions of rupees is to alleviate poverty and provide employment opportunities.
It was stated that during Kharif 2005, there will not be any shortage of required water for agriculture.—APP
