KARACHI, June 27: The Sindh government has earmarked Rs10 million in the budget for the year 2002-03 for carrying out study on losses by sea intrusion owing to non-discharge of water down-stream Kotri barrage.

The scheme has, however, not yet been approved and currently is under the process, an official of provincial forest, wildlife and environment department said.

The sea intrusion has affected the ecology and the agriculture lands in Thatta district where mangroves forests have vanished in a vast area. The provincial government, however, has allocated Rs10 million in new budget for replanting and regenerating of Indus Delta mangroves in Shah Bandar, Keti Bandar and coastal areas of Karachi over eight hectares.

A proposal is also under consideration of the government to engage a consultant for preparing feasibility report for construction of road from Ali Bandar to delta town Keti Bandar. A substantial amount of Rs11 million has been set aside in the budget for this purpose.

Moreover, Rs3 million have been allocated for management and research of marine turtle, Rs64 million for forest department and Rs3 million for Coastal Development Authority.—PPI