LAHORE, Aug 6: Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi directed on Friday the irrigation department authorities to take stern action against water thieves announcing to make the crime a non-bailable offence through amendment to the law.

He was speaking to provincial ministers, MNAs and MPAs from south Punjab and other districts who called on him here. His adviser Jahangir Tareen Khan, Irrigation Minister Amer Sultan Cheema and Chief Secretary Kamran Rasool were also present on the occasion.

The chief minister said solid steps were being taken for the equitable distribution of water in the province. Nevertheless, the people in Southern Punjab and the other backward areas should be informed about the latest situation of the availability of water.

He said water should be managed and distributed without depriving the people of all areas of their rightful share. The chief minister said construction of new reservoirs in the country was the need of the hour and necessary for the implementation of projects relating to the progress of agriculture sector and economic prosperity.

He said basic reforms were being brought about in the irrigation system which would help effectively deal with matters relating to the distribution of water.