HYDERABAD, June 13: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim on Sunday said that restoration of law and order and judicious distribution of water were his priorities.

Speaking at a press conference at the circuit house on his first visit to Hyderabad as the chief minister, he vowed to restore the writ of government which he said presently stood completely eroded.

Holding the irrigation department responsible for unfair distribution of water, he promised judicious water distribution so that small and tail-end growers could get their share.

He said that the irrigation department always blamed Punjab for water shortage but the point was that even 60 per cent available water was not being distributed judiciously among growers.

The chief minister, who devoted most part of his press conference to the irrigation department and the water issue, stressed the need for streamlining water distribution system.

He disclosed that irrigation secretary Bashir Dahar had been suspended. He would conduct an inquiry against Mr Dahar and if he was found guilty a criminal case would be lodged against him, Dr Rahim added.

He said that he would put an end to charging of money by irrigation officials on hourly basis from growers. The chief minister directed the new secretary for irrigation, Ashfaq Memon, to ensure availability of water at tail-ends of waterways.

He warned that action would be taken against those who tampered with modules. He said that inspection paths would be constructed and help from police and Rangers would be sought to visit the paths to check water theft. He said that shortage of water had destroyed economy of rural areas.

About the law and order situation in Sindh, Dr Rahim said that being a civilian administrator he could seek help of army for controlling lawlessness in the province, adding that he had discussed the issue with President Gen Pervez Musharraf during his recent meeting with him.

He said that he was committed to ensuring effective and good governance. He said that he would encourage competent bureaucrats but warned that inept would face action. He maintained that it would take him three months to have firm grip over the affairs of the province after which the difference would be visible.

Dispelling the impression that the governor's rule could be imposed in Sindh, Dr Rahim said that had it been so, he would not have been inducted as the chief minister. However, he asserted that if the governor's rule was imposed it would be harmful for democracy.

Rejecting reports that an operation was being launched against the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, he said that as long as he was the chief minister, no such operation would be conducted.

About two committees on the water issue, appointed by the president, he said that the committees were headed by non- controversial persons and they were working on the issue.

He gave seven days to DCO Mohammad Hussain Syed, who is also holding the additional charge of the Hyderabad Development Authority director general, and Wasa managing director Habibur Rehman for improving quality of water being supplied to people.

He said that he would get water checked by universities whether it met international standards. Denying that the Sindh inspector general of police was being replaced, the chief minister said that he was working well.

He said that people must differentiate between law and order and terrorism. He said that there was ideal law and order situation in Saudi Arabia but the country had been hit by terrorism.

Dr Rahim said that he had been given a free hand by the president and that he had spoken to him in clear terms about his powers and selection of cabinet before accepting the job. He said that nazims were under the Sindh government which could make queries from them.