THATTA, May 20: Sindh Minister for Culture Sassui Palijo has cautioned that ‘irresponsible and non-professional’ attitude of irrigation department towards strengthening river dykes may again result in a disaster in the coming monsoon season.

Talking to a delegation of growers led by Ashraf Sammu and Noor Mohammad Khaskheli here on Sunday, the minister said the National Disaster Management Authority had already warned of possible flood-like conditions this year.

Growers said if the dykes were left unattended they might give in under pressure of water during rains and cause breaches.

They said that irrigation department’s failure to de-silt the Jam Branch, Buhara Shakh, Sakro Branch, Takani Shakh, Kanehki Tributary, Halaath Naali and Naari Chhachh before monsoon, had deprived tail-end growers of water for months, harmed crops and seriously affected sowing of paddy.

They told the minister that another reason for water shortage at the tail-end was unjust distribution in upper reaches of canals.

They blamed executive engineer of the irrigation subdivision of Mirpur Sakro, Mohammad Aalam Rahupoto, for the water crisis and demanded his removal. They said that small growers and tillers were tired of protesting every other day and blocking roads to force officials concerned to release water to coastal areas.

The minister said she was aware of the problem in the coastal talukas of Jati, Mirpur Sakro, Kharochhan and Keti Bunder and said the irrigation authorities were responsible for the crisis.

She said that irresponsible and incompetent officials had rendered the irrigation department ineffective, shaken people’s trust and led to criticism of PPP.

The senior officials did not take action against the negligent staff because of their influence, she said.