HYDERABAD, July 28: Sindh Irrigation Secretary Shuja Ahmed Junejo has ordered an immediate reduction of the water level in the four off-taking canals of the Kotri barrage in the wake of a forecast of heavy rains by the meteorology department.

Speaking at a press conference at the Kotri Barrage on Thursday, he said according to the Met office’s forecast there were 99 per cent chances of rains and the irrigation department could not take risk of allowing more water to be released into canals supplying water to coastal areas of Thatta and Badin districts.

The chief engineer of the Kotri barrage, Mr Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh, was present on the occasion.

Mr Junejo said the level of water was being immediately reduced in Phuleli, Pinyari, Kalri Baghar and Akram Wah canals and by Friday morning it would be within safe limits as a precautionary measure.

He said when it rained the level of canals would be zero and after safe weather forecast water would again be released into the canals to first ensure availability of water to tail end areas.

He said there was red alert in the department and massive patrolling was being conducted by irrigation, Rangers and police officials whereas embankments were completely protected.

He said the staff had been asked to ensure that there was no foul play in the canals to avoid breaches.

He said the LBOD was also being monitored to check cuts in it by residents.

He said earlier when there were heavy rains people had caused cuts in the LBOD to release surplus water of watercourses into it which ultimately led to backflow of water in the LBOD.

He said the LBOD was being monitored by the army personnel to ensure flow of water as per designed capacity.

He said at present there was surplus water.

He said since cropping pattern had changed and needs of more cultivation had increased by people for overcoming economic pressure the water requirement had also increased.

He said the people were interested in banana crop which was high delta crop.

He said, of 1,500 water channels, there was problem only in few canals which would be tackled.

Mr Junejo said the second peak of water which was around 275,000 cusecs would pass through the Kotri barrage as water flow at the Kotri upstream was increasing.

He said there was no cause of worry for the irrigation department with regard to flood position. He said there would be a third peak flow of water in August.