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IRSA rejects Sindh’s demand for water distribution

* Says water will be distributed during Khraif season only

By Khalid Mustafa

ISLAMABAD: The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Saturday rejected Sindh’s demand for seeking water distribution as per para-2 of water apportionment Accord of 1991 for early Kharif. Amanullah Khattak, IRSA chairman in the NWFP, presided over the meeting.

A government official told Daily Times that water could not be distributed under para-2 of the accord for all seasons. The meeting was held to finalise the distribution plan among the four federating units for Kharif 2005 which has started from April 1 and will continue to September 30. “When there is a shortage of water, it is distributed as per 1977-82 average uses basis otherwise water is distributed as per para–2 of the water accord. Under the para, Sindh gets 5 million acre feet (MAF) more water than its share,” the official said.

All participants agreed to the Anticipated Water Availability for Kharif 2005 season prepared by IRSA. The meeting learnt that the water availability position was satisfactory and there was no shortage of water in the country. It was also agreed that the river inflow fluctuated, therefore, position would again be reviewed after early Kharif to finalise the balance Kharif 2005 Anticipated Criteria (June 11, 2005 to Sep 30, 2005).

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

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