Monitoring Desk
The Sindh Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution, declaring the construction of Cholistan Canal and five other irrigation projects illegal and a violation of the 1991 Water Accord.
The resolution, moved by the Sindh government, stated that these new canal projects infringe upon Sindh’s water rights. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah strongly opposed the projects, calling them an attempt to deprive Sindh of its fair share of water.
“We will not accept any encroachment on Sindh’s rightful share of water,” CM Murad Ali Shah asserted, warning that the provincial government would resist any move that compromises Sindh’s water rights.
Sindh Warns of Environmental & Economic Crisis
CM Shah warned that the new irrigation projects could trigger an environmental disaster in Sindh, as water shortages would severely impact agriculture, the economy, and daily life. He urged the federal government and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to ensure fair distribution of water as per the 1991 Water Accord.
“No compromise will be made on Sindh’s water rights. These projects are an attempt to deprive Sindh of its due share, and we will resist them at every level,” he said.
The resolution also called for immediate dialogue among all provinces to address the issue of equitable water distribution.
Sindh Warns of Public Resistance Against Unfair Water Distribution
The Sindh government issued a stern warning to the federal authorities, stating that unjust control over water resources would not be tolerated. CM Shah said that if the federal government proceeded with these projects, it would face strong public resistance.
“Sindh’s people will not compromise on their water rights. Any attempt to seize Sindh’s share of water will be met with a strong response,” the chief minister warned.
Following the resolution’s passage, the Sindh Assembly session was adjourned until Friday at 2:30 PM.
