Irrigation water shortage in Sindh reaches alarming level

Sindh province is grappling with a severe irrigation water shortage that threatens the crucial Kharif crop season. The Right Bank Canal System of Sukkur Barrage is experiencing critical deficits, directly impacting agricultural command areas in Larkana and Qambar-Shahdadkot districts, as well as lands in Balochistan fed by the North West Canal. The Dadu Canal, Rice Canal, and other canals irrigating the Sukkur district are also significantly affected.

Credible data reveals alarming shortfalls across the canal network. The North West Canal faces a deficit of 64.1%, the Rice Canal 38.0%, and the Dadu Canal a staggering 82.0%. This scarcity is largely due to excessive water withdrawals by Punjab province. Official figures show Punjab drawing 53,394 cusecs against its allocated 44,000 cusecs, an over-extraction of 21.35%. Similarly, Taunsa Barrage is taking 25,694 cusecs against its entitled 24,000 cusecs.

Despite Sindh's indent for 130,000 cusecs, only 100,000 cusecs are being released, creating a massive shortfall. The controversial Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal remains operational, drawing approximately 16,500 cusecs, a volume exceeding the combined flow of several tail-end canals. This situation directly contradicts the principles of equitable water distribution outlined in the Water Apportionment Accord of 1991. Federal authorities are urged to intervene immediately to regulate upper-reach withdrawals, streamline link canal operations, and ensure Sindh receives its rightful water share to prevent irreversible damage to millions of acres of agricultural land.