HYDERABAD, April 8: The representatives of growers have stressed the need for changing the terms of references of a three-phased study, to be conducted to ascertain the quantum of water seepage below Kotri downstream for which consultants have been appointed by the federal water and power ministry.

In this regard, a meeting of consultants, irrigation and forest officials, representatives of growers and IUCN was held in Karachi on Wednesday where consultants shared details of the proposed study.

The meeting were informed that after completion of the study, a preliminary report would be presented before the stakeholders.

The study would check the extent of sea intrusion in coastal belt that has destroyed agriculture because of non-release of water below downstream Kotri.

The study would be completed in nine months by September or October. It would check the quantum of water to be released downstream besides the quantum of water which would remain available below Sukkur barrage.

The growers stressed the need that environmental issues regarding availability of water for environment including ecology, mangroves and forest must be included in the study’s ToRs.

After submission of the first report of study, it would be discussed among the stakeholders and then further proceedings would be conducted.

The consultants were informed by irrigation officials and growers that sea intrusion had not only destroyed coastal belt, it had also led to salinity and water logging while aquifers had been badly affected thus all these aspects should be taken into account during the study.

The consultants were told that the land was not only submerged by sea water causing seepage and leaving it unfit for agricultural purpose.

The consultants were sharing views with Nespak, Associated Consultants Engineering (ACE) and other organisations. It was proposed that they should also consult chemistry department of Sindh University, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology and SZABIST as they would get useful inputs in the study.

When contacted, Sindh Abadgar Board’s Abdul Majeed Nizamani said that he emphasised for changing ToRs of the study as certain matters were to be taken into account.

He said that delta as needed to be kept intact which would be possible when silted water is made available during summer.

Such water is always available mostly in July and August. He said that consultants were not only to check sea intrusion but other needs would also be contained in Water Accord’s paragraph-7. He called for checking level of salinity and water seepage in coastal belt which always changed the texture of land. He further said that efforts should be made to revive mangroves because they are natural fort or barrier against tsunami-like situation as it had roots 100 feet down the sea. He told that growth of mangroves depended on availability of mixture of sea and sweet water.