Sindh and Punjab's dispute over water has taken a decidedly ugly turn. As reported in this paper, the Punjab government has stopped its representative from attending meetings of the Indus River System Authority, accusing Irsa of having a 'pro-Sindh' bias.
The Punjab irrigation department says that its complaints lodged with the authority and the water and power ministry have gone unheeded. Punjab accuses Irsa and Sindh of being involved in 'fudging figures', accusing the lower riparian of exaggerating figures of water losses that it has suffered as well as interfering in Punjab's internal water distribution system. On the other hand, Sindh has accused Punjab of 'stealing' its rightful share of water in the past, causing major losses to agriculture in the province. There are also apprehensions that Irsa has been politicised with certain members showing a bias towards Sindh. We hope this is not the case and that all provinces pull equal weight in the authority.
Observers say that there have indeed been major water losses from Chashma downwards. While some of this might be put down to natural phenomena such as evaporation, water theft, possibly by farmers, cannot be ruled out. It is difficult to substantiate the accusation that the Punjab government is stealing water although other elements, including the military, have been accused of wrongfully siphoning off water. As we have stated before, the key to resolving the perennial inter-provincial dispute over water is by rehabilitating the telemetry system. The system — a scientific method of water management — was set up in the Musharraf era at a cost of several hundred million rupees. It was only used for a couple of months before falling into disuse. The government must explain why this system is not being utilised. Data regarding water flow is currently recorded manually, which opens the door to abuse.
It must also be said that boycotts, walkouts and other such actions help no one and further complicate matters. It is only through dialogue and accommodation that disputes can be settled in an amicable manner. This has been witnessed in the past and there is no reason why it cannot work in the current scenario. The shortage of water is approaching crucial levels, with many painting doomsday scenarios of a time when wars will be fought over this precious resource in the region. There is no other solution at the moment other than conserving and managing what we have in our rivers by plugging losses and curbing theft. Punjab's point of view regarding its water requirements must be heard, while Sindh and Balochistan's rights as lower riparians must also be respected. No one should suffer. If the provinces show maturity and a willingness to resolve all contentious issues by working with rather than against each other, it might enable smooth sailing.
