BADIN: The SC-appointed one-man Judicial Commission headed by retired Justice Amir Hani Muslim on Sunday paid a surprise visit to Qazia Wah (canal) and waterworks in Badin town and issued strict directives to the officials concerned to check water theft.

He reprimanded the officials for turning a blind eye towards the tactics being resorted to by unscrupulous elements to take away others’ share in irrigation water.

He also told them to ensure supply of adequate safe drinking water to the people of Badin.

Justice Muslim asked Badin Deputy Commissioner Dr Abdul Hafeez Siyal and Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Ali Nawaz Bhout to take immediate steps towards removal of all encroachments from the canal’s dykes and also take punitive action against all those involved in water theft.

The judge told the officials concerned to seek Rangers’ assistance in stopping water pilferage by tampering with modules and employing other diversion gadgets, pipes or tools.

He warned that stern action could be taken against the officials if they failed to address people’s grievances with regard to irrigation and safe drinking water.

Justice Muslim also asked the authorities concerned that those found polluting the canal water be taken to task without any delay. Lethargy in this regard would not be tolerated, he told the officials concerned.

During his visit to the old and new water supply schemes of the town, the judge expressed his anger and indignation over the unhygienic conditions at and around the sites and the fact that the ultra water filter plants had been lying out of order for four months.

He ordered ADC Dr Ali Nawaz Bhout to ensure repair or replacement of the pant within the next four days or face action.

He told the officials concerned to accept no pressure in ensuring full share of water to each and every grower of the area.

“There could be no compromise on making available safe drinking water to people,” he remarked.

Irrigation Secretary Syed Jamal Mustafa, Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur and officials relevant departments accompanied the judge in his visits.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2018