Water Shortage in Balochistan Due to Decreased Flow from Sindh’s Rivers

Quetta:Balochistan is facing a significant water shortage as the flow of water from the River Indus, through the Pat Feeder and Kirthar Canal, has drastically reduced. The provincial Minister for Irrigation, Mir Sadiq Umrani, stated that the decrease in water supply is due to reduced water levels in the River Indus, which has impacted the province’s water availability.

According to the Irrigation Department, the Pat Feeder Canal, which typically receives 6,700 cusecs of water, is currently only receiving 1,000 cusecs, while the Kirthar Canal, which should receive 2,400 cusecs, is only getting 1,000 cusecs. This shortage has left farmers in the province in distress.

In response to the situation, Minister Sadiq Umrani mentioned that both the Pat Feeder and Kirthar Canal require desilting and maintenance work in April and May. A summary has been sent to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, for the approval of necessary funds. The Chief Minister has assured the allocation of funds for the maintenance work.

Additionally, the Sindh government has agreed to undertake desilting work on the canal from Sukkur to Guddu. Minister Umrani also expressed concerns over the extraction of water from the Thar Canal, warning that it will further exacerbate water shortages in Balochistan. The provincial government has requested the federal government to reconsider the project to protect the province’s water resources.