BADIN, July 12: Sindh Irrigation Minister Nadir Akmal Khan Leghari has called for distribution of water among the provinces in accordace with the 1991 water accord.

Speaking at a press conference here on Sunday, he said he would work to end corruption in the irrigation system, provide water to tail-end growers, ensure fair water distribution and get the 1991 water accord implemented.

He said that lapses in the irrigation system had added to problems being faced by growers. Mr Leghari said since 75 per cent population depended on agriculture for their livelihood, it was the government's priority to end water shortage.

The minister said the government could seek help from any agency, including the army, to control water theft and take action against those stealing water. He said he would conduct surprise visits and raids to know ground realities and would not let any offender go without punishment.

He said the government was taking measures to ensure availability of water at tail-ends of waterways. Later, talking to representatives of growers at the circuit house here, he said a plan would be introduced to keep vigilance on waterways so that water theft could be controlled.

He assured the growers that water available in Guddu, Sukkur and Kotri barrages would be distributed judiciously. The minister said growers of the district would get water for mature paddy crops for more period.

He said he would make efforts to improve the irrigation system in the province. Growers Ali Nawaz Memon, Syed Zafar Ali Shah and Hafiz Hafeezullah and District Naib Nazim Mirza Akbar Sohail apprised the minister of their problems.

The minister earlier went to the Pharho regulator where some 200 growers were staging a protest against water shortage in the Khairpur Ghumbo sub-division. On this occasion, Tando Bago Taluka Nazim Hamid Shah informed the minister that the water shortage had affected 80,000 acres of land.

The minister also inspected the Arain water regulator and directed the executive engineer,, Fayaz Shah, and the SDO, Hanif Arain, to provide water to the Sultani Wah within three days.