BADIN: Farmers, members of civil society and general public took part in a 15-kilometre march on foot from Noutkani bus stop to Tando Bago town on Sunday to register their protest against the water crisis which has afflicted most parts of the district for the past nine months.

When the marchers entered Tando Bago they were joined by popular Sindhi singer Deeba Sahar and traders who walked with them to local press club where they staged a demonstration for five hours. The singer also sang songs to honour and eulogise the relentless struggle of the farmers.

Khuda Dino Shah, Khalil Ahmed Bhurgari, Azizullah Dero and other leaders of Save Badin Action Committee told journalists that officials of Sindh Drainage and Irrigation Authority were responsible for the worst water crisis in four talukas of the district.

They said that it was height of callousness on the part of Sindh government and its departments concerned that at a time when over one million population and their livestock were not getting water even for drinking, their share of water was being released into flood canals near Matli town.

They alleged that the officials concerned had erected blockages in Phuleli Canal and Akram Wah to divert water flows to the lands of influential persons of Badin, Tando Allahayar and other districts.

They reiterated their demand for the dismantlement of the blockages so that water could reach every farmer and grower of the district. Even after two month to their movement for judicious distribution of water none of the lawmakers of Badin bothered to join the peaceful struggle for the survival of humans and animals, they said and vowed to continue the struggle till they received water.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2019