SIALKOT, Sep 19: The irrigation department has closed the Marala Ravi Link (MRL) Canal due to shortage of water in the River Chenab.

According to sources, water level was continuously dropping in the river at Head Marala. There was a 34,000 cusecs decrease in discharge of water and at present it was only 15,000 cusecs, while normally it should be around 59,000 cusecs daily.

Sources said stoppage of water by India was the main reason behind the closure of MRL Canal.

Farmers have expressed concern over the closure due to which seasonal crops, especially paddy, were being affected badly.

Framers Rights Protection Forum Punjab chairman Mirza Ehsan Baig, Kissan Board Punjab chairman Amanullah Chatha and leader of local progressive farmers, Syed Iqbal Hussain Shah, urged the government to take up this matter with the Indian government and to press the Indian authorities for releasing sufficient water in the river.

They also urged the government to ensure payment of compensation to the affected growers.