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  • Apr 10th, 2005
  • Comments Off on Sindh demand for water under ’91 Accord rejected
The Indus River System Authority (Irsa ) in its meeting on Saturday rejected, once and for all, the demand of Sindh seeking water distribution as per para 2 of Water Apportionment Accord 1991, saying that para 2 would be implemented only during early Kharif and, if the water situation remains good, it would continue. However, water cannot be distributed under para 2 of the Accord for all seasons, official sources told Business Recorder. The meeting was held to finalise the water distribution plan for the provinces for Kharif 2005, starting from April 1. Amanullah Khattak, Irsa Chairman (NWFP) presided over the meeting.

Following were present: all Irsa Members, Secretary I&P Department, Punjab, Additional Secretary, I&P Department, Sindh, Additional Secretary Agriculture, NWFP, Chief Engineer (H&WM) Wapda, Lahore, Consultant Irrigation & Power Department, Punjab, Chief Engineer Mangla Dam, Mangla, Project Director Chashma Barrage, Chashma, Superintending Engineer Irrigation, NWFP.

Under the Water Accord, when there was shortage of water, distribution would have to be made on 1977-82 average use basis and when there is no shortage, water is distributed as per para 2 of the Water Accord. Under para 2, Sindh gets 5 million acre-feet more water than its share when the country faces water shortage.

In the meeting all participants agreed to the 'Anticipated Water Availability' for Kharif 2005 season prepared by Irsa . It was said that water availability position was satisfactory and there was no shortage of water. Therefore, provincial indents could be met in full even as per para 2 of the Water Apportionment Accord 1991 during early Kharif 2005 (April 1, 2005 - Jun 10, 2005).

It was also agreed that the river inflow fluctuates; therefore, position will again be reviewed after early Kharif 2005 period for finalisation of balance Kharif 2005 anticipated criteria (June 11, 2005 - September 30, 2005).

The official said that the country would have 121 MAF water this time, of which 24 MAF would be released Kotri downstream during Khraif season. The meeting was also informed that 15 MAF water would be wasted in the head of 'losses'. However, the water regulatory body would be able to store 7.7 MAF water for next Rabi season.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005


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