MIANWALI, Oct 3: Owing to the shortage of water in Thal canal and its branches, farmers of the Mianwali district are again in the grip of drought like situation.

In the wake of the ongoing sowing season, it is feared that thousands of acres of land will turn into barren for want of water in the district.

An employee of the Irrigation department told this correspondent on Wednesday that all canals were being monitored by director regulatory, Lahore, and on his instructions water was closed and released in Thal canal and its branches.

At present, the Thal canal has a flow of 3,000 cusec as against its original capacity of 7,500 cusec. This has affected the flow in its branches as the flow in the Lower branch is measured at 850 cusec as against its capacity of 4,700 cusec. Similarly, the Dulewala branch has a flow of 750 cusec as against 900, while the Mohajir branch is entirely closed.

The farmer community has urged the government to take serious notice of this self-created drought like situation and make arrangements for the release of irrigation water in canals.

It may be mentioned that due to hike in power and diesel rates, a majority of tubewells have already been ceased.