The Punjab government has responded to continuous protests and narrative building by the Sindh government and nationalist parties about alleged water theft by the larger province, writing a formal letter to the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), expressing strong reservations over the distribution of water.
According to sources, the letter alleges that Sindh has been receiving unauthorized water at the Sukkur Barrage through the Rice Canal — a fact that has reportedly been concealed.
Punjab government has adopted a strict stance, claiming that Sindh has been given more than its allocated share, while Punjab has received less, causing growing unrest among farmers.
Sources further said that such practices could lead to serious law and order situations.
The letter also points out that the decisions made in IRSA's March technical and advisory meetings have not been implemented.
Punjab government has demanded that IRSA ensure fairness and immediately provide Punjab with its rightful water share.
Punjab Irrigation Department stated that just like in the Rabi season, Punjab is now facing injustice in the Kharif season as well.
It was mutually agreed in the presence of all provincial irrigation secretaries that water would be released to Trimmu, Panjnad, and Chashma canals. It was also decided that, to reduce pressure on Mangla Dam, water would be supplied to Punjab's TP and CJ canals from Tarbela Dam.
However, due to non-release from Tarbela, Punjab is now extracting an additional 17,000 to 20,000 cusecs from Mangla, even though only 8,000 cusecs were scheduled.
During the Rabi season, there was a total water shortage of 16%, with Punjab receiving 22% less and Sindh 19% less than their allocated shares. Now in the Kharif season, there is a 43% overall water shortage — yet once again, Punjab’s share is being disproportionately reduced compared to Sindh.
