HYDERABAD, Dec 2: Chairman of Senate Mohammedmian Soomro said on Friday that federating units, instead of opposing construction of dams, should talk about their reservations, legislation or formation of a body which allay their fears. “This is because water needs for agriculture are increasing by the day which can be met only by building water reservoirs,” he said while talking to journalists after attending the first anniversary of a monthly magazine.

He said the Sindh province should press the point of its due share of water and explain its reservations rather than oppose construction of reservoirs.

“Future needs of water are increasing so rapidly that the country will have to utilise all available sites for water storage,” he said.

He added that the country needed water for its large agricultural base to bring land under cultivation and improve socio-economic conditions of farmers. This could not be ensured unless water storages were built.

“We should not get emotional. Instead, we should talk about our due share,” he noted.

He said that feasibility report of Bhasha dam was not ready. He added that water needs were so pressing that reservoirs should be built on all available sites.

Referring to the reservations of Sindh over construction of Kalabagh Dam, he said: “We may talk about reservations and protection of our due share but should not oppose dams per se.” Without storages, water cannot be provided during off-season, he added.

“Let us talk about assurances, if these are needed, and see how we can get comfortable in the emerging scenario. Whether there should be a body or legislation or something which can allay our fears,” the Senate chairman argued.

“How people would get water during dry season if we did not have stored water?” he queried.

He emphasised the need for growth in agricultural sector which was directly linked with availability of maximum water. This, in turn, could alleviate poverty. About formation of the Council of Common Interest (CCI) and unrest among small provinces, he said this could be discussed by provinces opposing construction of reservoirs.

He said dams were to be built at their natural locations. He referred to the Chotiari dam in Sindh which was benefiting people to some extent.