December 01, 2008	Monday	Zilhaj 2, 1429

SIALKOT, Nov 30: India’s Indus Basin Treaty Commissioner Oranga Nathan visited the Marala headworks with his Pakistani counterpart Syed Jamaat Ali Shah on Sunday to assess the flow in the Chenab river.

Irrigation department officials told the Indian delegation the river had almost dried up because of prolonged closure of water by India and the shortage had resulted in closure of the Marala-Ravi link canal for several months, adversely affecting crops across Punjab.

The meeting between the officials was held amid tight security.

Talking to journalists, Mr Shah termed it a routine joint inspection.

Our Staff Reporter in Lahore adds: Mr Shah said the inspection had been requested by India “which we facilitated”. He said the visiting delegation would submit its report to the government in Delhi.

The three-member delegation is due to return home on Monday.