HYDERABAD: The chairman of the Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (Sida), Kabool Mohammad Khatian, has taken notice of the acute water shortage in Badin and ordered an immediate operation against water theft.

He issued these directives after meeting farmers during field visits to tail-end areas of Tando Mohammad Khan, Matli and Badin. During his tour, he inspected water distribution at the 30th mile of the Phuleli canal, the Imam Wah cross, the Alipur cross, the 70th mile, and TPX regulators.

The chairman stated that the Indus River System Authority (Irsa) had failed to provide Sindh with its required share of water this year, which has resulted in critical delays to paddy transplantation. He noted that the available water supply fell far short of current demand. Furthermore, he mentioned that numerous complaints had been received regarding illegal water abstraction via the tampering of outlets and the installation of unauthorised pipes.

Ordering a comprehensive operation to eliminate water theft, Mr Khatian stressed that no leniency should be shown to anyone involved in such illegal activities. He highlighted that the untimely release of water by Irsa had adversely affected the cultivation of both paddy and cotton crops, adding that the Sindh government had raised the issue at every appropriate forum.

Briefing the chairman, the director of the Left Bank Canals Area Water Board, Abdul Wahid Kandhar, informed him that executive engineers and field teams were actively patrolling areas to improve water distribution. He explained that due to limited water availability and surging demand, a rotation plan was being strictly implemented. He added that concrete measures had already been initiated to curb water theft and a formal operation would be launched.

Local farmers expressed deep concerns regarding the inadequate water supply, rampant water theft, and the implementation of the rotation system. Several of these complaints were addressed and resolved on the spot through immediate administrative action.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2026