HYDERABAD, Sept 22: An abrupt decrease of water in river Indus has reduced the discharge downstream Sukkur Barrage by 17,000 cusec and a further drop is feared in the next few days, said a press release issued by the Chief Engineer (Irrigation), Kotri Barrage, Manzoor Ahmed Shaikh on Monday.

Consequently, the discharge upstream Kotri Barrage will also be reduced drastically, it quoted. The statement further said that the anticipated discharge would be distributed equitably and as per share of all off-taking canals from Kotri Barrage head works.

The anticipated shortage at Kotri Barrage would be around 30 to 40 per cent, said the press release while directing all canal officers to ensure proper and equitable water distribution within their command areas.

Land owners were advised to economize the intake of irrigation supplies to their lands as per need basis by avoiding wastage of water into drains.

The administration of the barrage would ensure equitable water distribution, said the release.