HYDERABAD, June 1: Sindh National Council (SNC) chief Hussain Bux Thebo has said excavation of the greater Thal canal was started even before finalization of its feasibility report.

He was speaking at a seminar on “History of Indus Waters”, organized by the Sindh Advocates Welfare Association at the Surath Publication Library here on Saturday.

He regretted that international organizations and the people of Sindh were demanding the release of water downstream Kotri but officials of Punjab were declaring it a wastage of water.

He further regretted that the National Finance Commission had identified the Thal canal as a national project and also earmarked funds for this project.

Referring to the acute shortage of water in Sindh, Mr Thebo said Sindh had failed to meet the rice crop target during the current year and water was not available even for drinking purposes in lower Sindh. Water in wells had also turned brackish, he added.

A leader of the SNC, Dr Dodo Maheri, stressed the need for launching a peaceful struggle for water rights of the province.

Dr Lutfullah Talpur, Qeemat Sindhi, Dr G. M. Gul, Khalil Khaskheli and Akram Soomro also spoke at the seminar.