RAWALPINDI, May 23: The Punjab government has directed the divisional police across the province to launch a crackdown against bigwigs involved in canal water theft and register cases against them, it has been learnt.

A source said it has been decided to constitute joint inspection teams comprising police and irrigation department officials and assistant commissioners to ensure equitable supply to the tail-enders.

The move came as the summer season started and canal water demand increased for cotton and rice sowing as well as for irrigation of other crops like sugarcane, fodders and others.

There had been a noticeable increase in the complaints of canal water theft as its demand increased.— Staff Reporter