November 25, 2008	Tuesday	Ziqa'ad 26, 1429

SANGHAR, Nov 24: Hundreds of farmers whose lands are irrigated through Shahu branch and Dim Wah canals, staged a protest demonstration against shortage of water in Jhol on Monday.

They blocked main Hyderabad road, burnt old tyres and raised slogans against irrigation officials. They were carrying placards and banners inscribed with different slogans.

The protesting farmers said that their lands were irrigated by Dim Wah and Shahu branch which are at the tail-end. They complained that for the last six months, 16 watercourses below RD27 of Dim wah and an equal number of watercourses of Shahu branch had not received water.

They said that the wheat sowing season was about to end but they had not sown even five per cent wheat till date.

They alleged that the influential landlords at the head had tempered the modules in connivance with the irrigation officials.

They said that there were 15 watercourses at Thaheem Shakh of Shahu branch but only four were receiving water and rest were lying dry. Even water for drinking purpose was not available, they added.

They said that they have repeatedly complained to the director Nara Canal, chief engineer and secretary irrigation but no one was ready to pay heed to their grievances.

They said that even fodder for cattle cannot be sown in present circumstances.

SDO irrigation Naeem Memon and SPO Atta Mohammad Dahiri held negotiations with the protesting farmers and assured of action against water thieves and said that water will be released within two days.