SARGODHA, Aug 30: As many as 91 cases of habitual water thieves have been sent to the chief minister with the request to detain them under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) 16. This was observed here on Monday by irrigation chief engineer Usman Akram while talking to newsmen.

He said the chief and irrigation ministers have directed to control water theft and it has been decided to set up temporary police pickets at six 'troubled' spots in the zone. The Punjab IGP's help has been sought in this regard, he added.

Mr Akram said the chief minister inspection team would regularly inspect the malpractice all over the Punjab. He said 40 water thieves were arrested at Narang distributary while employees of irrigation department were also suspended for allegedly helping them.

He said the step has been taken to ensure supply of irrigation water to farmers, particularly those at tale ends. He said due to shortage of water a rotational programme during Rabi would also be started.

Lining of 27 canals was being done with the funds provided by the provincial government while lining of six would be made with assistance of federal government. Mr Akram said canal water regulatory committees were being constituted to check and control certain irregularities in the distribution and theft of canal water.