BADIN, Dec 9: The Left Bank Outfall Drain should be redesigned to enhance its water discharge capacity to 18,000 cusecs from the existing capacity of 4,400 cusecs and a new channel be constructed at RD-159 near Shakoor Lake to meet any emergency.

This was proposed in a meeting on reforms in irrigation sector: progress, impediments and proposals and Sindh flood drain situation held here on Tuesday. It was attended by Asian Development Bank project implementation officer for National Drainage Programme, Sohail Sober Khan; managing director, Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority, Rafiq Safi Munshey; Badin District Nazim Kamal Chang and others.

It was also suggested in the meeting that the Cholri Weir and Tidal Link of the LBOD, which were severely damaged by a cyclone in late 1990s, should be immediately reconstructed.

The meeting was told that the delay in handing over the irrigation system to Sida by irrigation department had rendered loss to the government and the people.

It was informed that Rs30 billion had been allocated for revamping the irrigation system of the country, out of which Rs15 billion would be utilized on canals and distributaries and an equal amount on improvement and lining of watercourses.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Chang said that 35 kilometres of lands had been intruded by the sea in Badin and Thatta districts.

Mr Munshey, briefed the meeting, said that Western Sindh Canal and Sindh Begari Feeder were to be handed over to Sida in 2002 but implementation of the decision had been delayed.

Similarly, the scheduled handing over of the Guddu Barrage and Pat Feeder Canal to Sida was yet to take place, he deplored.

He said that 50 million dollars had been allocated for rural development projects in Badin, Thatta, Mirpurkhas and Sanghar districts.

Me Sober said that the meeting was an eye opener for him.