SUKKUR, July 16: The Sindh and Balochistan governments have agreed in principle on construction of new canals originating from Pat Feeder in Balochistan and water release into the Khirthar Canal according to the indent water after two days to overcome water shortage in Balochistan.

This was decided in a meeting of irrigation officials of both the provinces held here on Thursday to resolve a dispute between the provinces over water sharing.

The Balochistan representative said that this year their province received 50 per cent less water from Khirthar Canal and at present it was getting 1,900 cusecs instead of 2,400 cusecs.

He made it clear that Balochistan would not share water shortage with Sindh. Sindh's representative told him that Sukkur Barrage was not getting water according to its share, therefore they were not able to meet the requirement of Khirthar Canal.

They, however, assured the Balochistan officials that after they achieved the required level at the barrage on July 18, Khirthar Canal would be provided water according to its due share. It was also agreed in the meeting that remodelling of the Pat Feeder should be carried out, and besides that a new off-taking canal should be constructed from it at RD-238.