SANGHAR, April 28: The irrigation authorities have closed many water channels and minors to recover millions of rupees outstanding as abiana (water taxes). On Thursday, Lyari minor, Duthro minor of the Jhol irrigation sub-division, Jam Sahib minor of the Khadro sub-division, Kunro of ex-Shahu branch, Bitoor and many other minors remained closed due to defaulting in the payment of water taxes.

More than a dozen of other water channels would be closed within few days if the Farmers’ Organisations (FOs) of these minors and branches failed to deposit outstanding dues and these waterways would remain closed till the recovery of water tax, an official of irrigation department disclosed.

The management of these canals were handed over to FOs under the Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority Act and the water taxes were to be collected by these FOs.

Sixty per cent of water taxes amount will go to the national treasury while the remaining 40 per cent would be retained by FOs for maintenance and operational expenses but the FOs have failed to collect the water taxes.