THE plan to have more canals along the Indus is deeply concerning. It risks further water scarcity for farmers in Sindh, a province that has long been stressed by water shortages. The rising demand for water for irrigation and domestic use poses significant challenges. Additionally, the controversial plan will likely intensify pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff, contaminating water sources and adversely affecting both ecosystems and communities that depend on canals for drinking and irrigation.

The proposed canal development will negatively impact sedimentation capacity and efficiency, resulting in reduced water flow and diminished agricultural productivity. The aging infrastructure of interconnected canal systems further exacerbates these issues, leading to leaks and inefficiencies.

In the light of potential negative impacts, it is advisable to refrain from planning the additional canals. Instead, efforts should focus on improving and maintaining the existing water infrastructure, and they should contribute to addressing the persistent water issues in the province.

Mian Hamid Ali
Qambar Shahdadkot

Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2024