SANGHAR, Nov 5: The farmers’ organizations have said that an artificial shortage of water has been created by the irrigation authorities in the Nara canal system.

This was stated here on Wednesday in a meeting participated by the office-bearers of the FOs of Chotiari, Sadhro-I and II, Mangli (Heran distributary), Samatri and Baghdadi minors.

Speaking on the occasion, Riaz Bajwa, vice-chairman, FO, Chotiari distributary, said the irrigation officials were bent upon failing the plans of Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority.

He said the irrigation officials had decreased water supply from the Sukkur barrage, affecting the wheat sowing in the areas irrigated through Mithrao, Jamrao and Khipro canals.

Mr Bajwa said the normal water level of the Chotiari minor was six feet but on Wednesday it was flowing at 2.75 feet level.

He alleged sub-divisional officer, Bakhoro sub-division, Iqbal Ahmed Memon, was demanding a bribe through his agents to increase the water level.

The growers’ leader alleged that the irrigation officials had created the same situation in the entire Nara canal system. The canals were closed or water level decreased in them without prior notice to the farmers, he lamented.

He said at present water could not reach to lands to wet them for levelling to sow wheat and implant sugarcane.

When this correspondent contacted executive engineer, Mithrao division, by telephone, he refused to give his version.