SUKKUR, July 18: An inquiry has been initiated in connection with the canal breach that occurred near Khairpur and cases will be registered against officials concerned of the irrigation department after its finalization , says Sindh Irrigation Minister Sardar Nadir Akmal Leghari.

The irrigation minister was talking to this correspondent on telephone from Karachi on Sunday.Mr Leghari said that a committee had been formed to probe into the canal breach incident that occurred in the Ali Bahar Wah near Khairpur, adding that foolproof measures were being taken to monitor the canals and Wah in the wake of ensuing floods.

He said that irrigation department officials had been directed to discharge their duties with honesty and dedication, adding that no lapse in this regard would be tolerated.

Mr Leghari criticized the Sindh irrigation department and said that it had made no progress despite its being the second biggest in the province. He called upon the people of Sindh to send in practical advice to improve the department's performance.

Meanwhile, a special team visited the spot where breach had occurred on directives of the provincial irrigation minister. The team also held meetings with victims of the breach, who complained that despite repeated requests, the irrigation officials had done nothing in this regard.