BADIN: The interim provincial government has removed former PPP MPA Mohammad Nawaz Chandio from the post of chairman of Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (Sida) with immediate effect.

The decision came in the wake of growing demands for his removal by farmers and former speaker of National Assembly, Dr Fehmida Mirza, who was contesting NA-230 against Nawaz Chandio’s brother Haji Rasool Bux Chandio.

They had alleged that Nawaz Chandio was blackmailing growers with irrigation water to force them to vote for his brother and other PPP candidates in Badin, Tando Mohammad Khan and other districts.

Barrister Hasnain Mirza welcomed the decision and demanded that water should now be distributed in a judicious manner among farmers of Badin district.

Khalil Bhurgri, a local grower, said director of Sida’s area water board Ghulam Ali Talpur should also be removed.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2018