December 07, 2006	Thursday	Ziqa'ad 15, 1427

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DADU, Dec 6: Daim, Jhandyani and Pir Gunio waterways fed by Dadu developed breaches on Wednesday in the wake of rise in water level after recent heavy rains flooding crops on hundreds of acres.

Daim branch developed a 10 foot wide breach at Malhooja Panhwar village and a five foot wide breach at Jumo Panhwar village inundating crops on 200 acres and villagers homes.

Jhandyani minor developed a 10 foot wide breach near Bhan Syedabad which submerged 150 acres of agricultural land. The villagers struggled to plug the breach before irrigation officials could arrive for their help.

The farmers whose crops were flooded later staged a demonstration in Bhan Syedabad. They complained that they had informed irrigation officials about rise in water level and danger of breaches still they did not reduce the level hence the breaches.

Pir Gunio waterway in Dadu taluka developed a 10 foot wide breach at RD-27 flooding wheat crop on 50 acres. Irrigation officials rushed to the breached part in time and managed to plug it.

Duty officer at the information cell of irrigation southern Dadu division, Inayat Channa, informed that water level had been brought down in Dadu canal at Wadha regulator from 7.5 feet to 6.8 feet and at the head of Johi branch from 8 to 6 feet, which had reduced level in all the waterways fed by the two canals.

Manchhar: Sudden rise in the water level of Manchhar Lake in the wake of recent heavy rains has flooded standing crops on 300 acres in Bubak, Shah Hassan and Jhangara, areas surrounding the lake, and pose threat of more damage if the level continues to surge, farmers expressed fear on Wednesday.

Increase in water flow in Nai Gaj, Nai Sole and MNV (RBOD) after rains has surged level in Manchhar, which in turn is adding to the pressure on the lake’s embankments.

Assistant engineer of flood protective bund, Habibullah Kabooro told Dawn that the lake’s water level had been recorded at 113.9 RL. It should be maintained at 110 RL to keep it beneficial for fishermen and farmers alike, advised Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum Vice-President Ghulam Mustafa Mirani.