LAHORE, April 6: Punjab on Saturday refused to oblige a demand by Sindh that it should restrict withdrawal from river Indus to 5,000 cusecs daily for 15 days.

Sindh had requested through the Indus River System Authority that Punjab should lower its withdrawal to 5,000 cusecs against its present share of 12,700 cusecs.

The Punjab irrigation department maintained that it was already drawing a bare minimum — 7,000 cusecs a day — and saving the rest of 5,700 cusecs for the cotton sowing season. But 7,000 cusecs from Indus is necessary to keep canals efficient and maintain drinking supplies, it added.

Historically, Punjab used to have 56,400 cusecs during the early Kharif from the national pool. Its share was reduced to 29,300 cusecs due to 44 per cent water shortage. So, practically, it is drawing only 25,000 cusecs from Tarbela and Mangla command. On the other hand, Sindh was getting more than its due — 22,600 cusecs against its allocation of 16,500 cusecs.

“It also shows spendthrift policy of Sindh as far as water consumption is concerned,” said a member of the Punjab Water Council, adding it was because water allowances — water used for per 1000 acre — in Sindh are as high as 17 cusecs against Punjab’s 6 cusecs. There is not only problems like waterlogging and salinity but also quick and injudicious consumption of water. “When available Sindh wastes water but it starts shouting from the rooftop when scarcity gets hold of national reservoir,” he claimed.

Talking to newsmen, Punjab Irrigation Secretary Javed Majeed maintained that the province would continue playing big brother’s role but emphasized that Sindhi brethren must reduce water wastage wherever possible.

During the last Rabi season, he said, Punjab suffered 50.50pc water shortage against the 51pc allocated shortage. Sindh, during the same period, suffered 49.60pc, he pointed out. He agreed to a questioner that Punjab could have got 37pc share of additional water supplies during recent rains when it let over 30,000 cusecs flow to Sindh by closing its canals.

About the possibility of adding ground water to national pool as recently pointed out by the president in a letter to Punjab, the secretary ruled it out: “Ground water is not an independent source of water; it is a cumulation of rains, seepage from canals and residual sea water. It can be exhausted fast if carefree pumping continues.”

About the new water projects, Mr Majeed said the first priority of the department was to keep the 150-year-old system working by repair of its barrages, especially Jinnah and Taunsa, and lining of canals. For the purpose, the department has already recommended repair projects at a cost of Rs50 billion spread over 10 years. Some canals also needed remodelling with repair, he concluded.