LAHORE, Sept 12: Canal water shortage has resulted in an alarming increase in the incidence of theft compelling the government to promulgate a law for declaring the offence non-bailable besides prosecution of the accused under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance provisions.

Punjab Irrigation Minister Chaudhry Aamer Sultan Cheema stated this while presiding over a departmental meeting in his office. He said the increase in water theft incidence was evident from the fact that 15,898 cases had been registered in 2002-3 and penalties totalling Rs133.9 million were imposed on the culprits whereas over 17,000 cases were registered with fine amounting to Rs170 million recovered during the past two months and one week.

Mr Cheema said the irrigation department officials would have to undertake extensive tours for controlling water theft this year on account of its shortage. He said the SDOs would henceforth be held responsible for theft.

The minister said 24-hour toll free telephone helpline was also being established for the farmers for reporting water theft cases. The Inspector General of Police was also being approached for establishing patrol posts in high theft areas.