Who controls IRSA

Sindhi Press April 6
Who controls IRSA
Kawish
River System Authority (IRSA) is hit by its dualism. Whenever issue of due share of Sindh water is raised, IRSA poses itself as a powerless body. But in case of Punjab, it is much effective and active. Apart from repeated demands by the smaller provinces it is not implementing the 1991 water accord. It has turned down the requests of federal government. This year too the IRSA has adapted same attitude. It refused to distribute water under Water Accord of 1991 Para 2, and turned down the request of federal government and two provinces- Sindh and Balochistan. And it opted for historical- use basis ((1977-82) formula that benefits Punjab and reduces Sindh’s share by about five per cent. Sindh will get 31.908 MAF water instead of 33.94 MAF. Hence Sindh would be deprived of 2.032 MAF water share.

Since years Sindh have been deprived of its water share, hence Sindh lost its identity of green and prosperous land. Promises and accords are not implemented. The lands of Sindh turned barren while non release of water down stream Kotri caused sea intrusion affecting agriculture and entire eco-system of the lower Sindh and delta region. The water accord is put in cold storage. When accord is not implemented then how some other guarantee could withstand. The tale of vows does not end here.
Right at the time when farmers, especially those of the lower regions, critically needed water, the supplies were stopped on the pretext of filling up reservoirs.
Similarly, the apportionments to the provinces and the flows in two link canals were being controlled most arbitrarily ever since the country had gone under the military rule.

Beside less water than its due share Sindh is getting, water theft from this share also continues. Therefore water while reaching upto Sindh further reduces. Sindh has been demanding that its share should be ensured up to Sukkur. But his is not heard.

Ill intentions is exposed with artificial failure of multi million telemetry system installed to monitor the water flow in the rivers, which proved inefficient within a period of two months. This system was installed to monitor 23 waters in the country through satellite, but this too was made ineffective. So that Sindh may not get any documentary proof of water theft.
When there is question to supply due share of water, IRSA appears to be ineffective. It is not complying with the directives of federal government. If directives of federal government are not implemented, who other is deciding the issues? It is only Punjab, what to say.

We have history of injustices which is equal to the inception of the country. Undemocratic and unconstitutional decisions have been thrust upon. We do not only find such decision in the undemocratic government but it is not difficult to find out such during the democratic period also. The successive un democratic governments committed excesses and injustices with Sindh in water share and distribution of financial resources also. But it is irony that Sindh is not getting its share during present democratic government.

Sindh has recorded protest for not implementing para two of the 1991 Water Accord, but from Sindh may reach for justice? For that federal government which is not ready to heed it? Sindh is not demanding any thing excess, but only its due share. It is suggested that distribution arrangements proposed may be corrected accordingly and the water may be apportioned as per para-2 of the accord. The people of Sindh and government should raise effective voice to get its share according to 1991 water accord. -(April 2)

Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi