NAUSHAHRO FEROZE, July 13: The Chief Minister of Sindh, Arbab Ghulam Rahim, has said that Sindh has objections on the Greater Thal Canal and if the federal government had released water for it, the federal minister for water and power Liaquat Ali Jatoi should be asked as to who was responsible for release of water to this controversial canal. Talking to newsmen at the local circuit house on Wednesday, after holding a meeting with Jatoi and Syed groups for adjustment of seats in local body elections, the chief minister said that on the one hand there was flood while on the other tail-end growers were protesting against water shortage.

He said this was due to incompetent irrigation officials who had not prepared any effective plans.

He said opponents were demanding his removal because they see that they would not win the elections.

To a question, he said that Nawaz Sharif as prime minister had worked for his party candidates, Qaim Ali Shah was working for his party candidates, hence it was his duty as President of the Muslim League, Sindh to work for the party candidates in LB polls.

Former district nazim, Masroor Khan Jatoi, former Sindh agriculture minister, Aqib Khan Jatoi, adviser for agriculture, Ghulam Murtaza Khan Jatoi, chief minister’s adviser Syed Manzoor Ali Shah, former Sindh minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and former District Naib Nazim Syed Hassan Ali Shah attended the meeting.

APP adds: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahiim took an aerial view of flood situation in the Indus River and also reviewed safety arrangements made for protection of embankments on both sides of the Indus.

He flew over Thatta, Tando Mohammed Khan, Hyderabad, Matiari and Nawabshah on way from Karachi to Naushahro Feroze.

The chief minister directed the DCOs to take steps for an early shifting of people from the kutcha areas to safer places so as to protect them from losses.

He issued directives to the district and provincial governments to prepare comprehensive and coordinated programme for this purpose.

He asked the officials of the irrigation department to take appropriate measures for strengthening of protective embankments and also maintain round the clock vigil.

The chief minister said mobile teams of health and livestock departments be kept ready and inoculation of animals be carried out.—APP