DADU: The water level in Manchhar Lake has risen significantly due to the hill torrents, reaching 112.9 feet Reduced Level (RL) from 108.5 feet just four days ago.

The in-charge of the irrigation cell Shir Mohammad Mallah said the lake could sustain 131 feet RL and assured that all the lake embankments had been repaired and raised after the relief cuts were made in them to take in floodwaters during 2022 flood.

Engineer Mahesh Kumar confirmed that the situation was normal and all embankments were safe. Patrolling by irrigation officials had also been started to monitor the lake’s condition, he said.

The water level in the Nai Gaj rain drain has dropped to dead level, according to executive engineer southern division Dadu, Mr Balram.

Due to damaged roads in Wahi Pandhi, Tando Rahim Khan, Chhinni, Shah Hassan and Sawaro union councils, the land communication of 400 villages remained cut off for the last six days.

The residents of the areas faced shortages of food, drinking water, and medicines as a result. In response to the situation, PPP MNA Rafiq Ahmed Jamali and Dadu DC Syed Murtaza Ali Shah, along with highway officials, visited flood protective bund and directed officials concerned to restore all roads in Kachho region.

Meanwhile, chairman of Manchhar Bachayo Ittehad, Moula Bux Mallah, demanded that water from the lake be released into Indus River from the Aral head and Aral tail canals.

He expressed concern that delaying release of water from the lake into the river could add to problems.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2023