SARGODHA, March 21: The revenue authorities have reportedly failed to collect over Rs200 million fines due in connection with water theft cases in Kirana sub-division for the last four years. An official of irrigation department, requesting anonymity, stated that the revenue authorities concerned had been giving undue favour to defaulters by not collecting the fine amount during the said period.

He further stated that over Rs53 million fines were likely to be imposed against 568 farmers of various villages, including Mateela, Mandey Wala, Asian Wala, Lalu Wali, Ghula Pur, Chak No 103, 98, 94, 110, 105, 73, 80 and 86, all from Southern Branch, who had been allegedly involved in water theft cases and had been adjudged guilty.

DISMISSED: Former SDO Abdul Ghafoor and Sub-engineer Muhammad Azam of Khadar Pur sub-division have been dismissed from service for conniving in canal breaches.

Punjab Irrigation Secretary Mr Arif Nadeem has also ordered collection of one million rupees from the two officials by selling their assets.

The two officials had been allegedly allowing various cultivators of the area to steal water by causing breaches in canals and distributaries. A complaint to this effect was made about 18 months back.