NAWABSHAH, June 28: Investigations have been initiated against irrigation officials, indulging in water theft and negligence of duty and those found guilty will be sacked.

This was stated by the chief engineer of Sukkur Barrage, Syed Noor Mohammad Shah, at a gathering of farmers at the Darbar Hall here on Monday. He said that investigations were underway into the complaints of selling water and tampering with water courses and modules against the officials, including Baildars, surveyors and Daroghas.

He said that farmers had been directed to conduct survey of crops in their areas and those cultivating 100 per cent of their land would have to pay a penalty. He said that required quantity of water would reach Nawabshah in a week as water level in water channels would be raised by inches in order to avoid breaches.

He said that the channels would flow plenty water for three weeks and there would be a water rotation for one week. Mr Shah said that lists of ghost employees of the irrigation department were also being prepared.

On the demands of growers, the chief engineer said that desiltation of Jheemal, Setharki, Panj Chan and Khada minors would soon be carried out. Speaking on the occasion, District Nazim Faryal Talpur said that it should be ensured that farmers get their due share of water.

She asked the executive engineers of Nusrat and Dad divisions of the irrigation department to remain in their offices during office hours to hear farmers' complaints.