Chairman SIDA Invites Proposals For Water Policy

A consultative seminars on Water Policy was held Tuesday to collect suggestions on better utilization and conservation of water from all stakeholders.

NAWABSHAH, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Oct, 2018 ) :A consultative seminars on Water Policy was held Tuesday to collect suggestions on better utilization and conservation of water from all stakeholders.

The seminar, attended by administrative officials, growers, representatives of civil society, elected representatives and people from all walks of society, was jointly organized Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (SIDA) , Departments of Irrigation, Planning and Development and Social Welfare Organization Shah Sachal Sami.

Addressing the seminar SIDA Chairman Saeed Ahmed Jagirani said that water is being distributed among provinces by IRSA under the 1991 accord while provinces were using their share of water under their priority on agriculture, industry, forest, domestic and other uses.

Sindh Government was formulating policy guideline for conservation of water apart from usage for agriculture, forestry, drinking purpose for citizens, animal and other uses, he said and invited growers, administrative officials, elected representatives, teachers and civil society to submit proposals so that these could be included in the National Water Policy.

Jagirani said that at present 95% water was in use for agriculture purpose while sub soil water was not fit for drinking purpose and population in the province largely depended on canal water. He said that more benefit could be achieved through better management of water used for agriculture.

He said that in order to improve canal system and proper supply of water to growers with the cooperation of World Bank, local growers are made in-charge for distribution of canal water by SIDA, which is producing better results.

Addressing the seminar, Deputy Commissioner Abrar Ahmed Jaffar said that agriculture is main source of income of people of District Shaheed Benazirabad that require a better irrigation system. He said that keeping in view water paucity, latest technology in agriculture could be introduced to achieve more output using less water.

Chairman District Council Sardar Jam Tamachi Unar in his address said that water courses were measured in 1932, which require modification. He emphasized on complete implementation on law for provision of water to growers at the tail of watercourses.

Tamachi demanded removal of water lifting machines installed at canals with the connivance of officials of irrigation department.

Seminar was also addressed by Social Development Specialist SIDA and Focal Person Water Policy Farzana Abbasi, Chairman Municipal Committee Azeem Mughal, Pervez Ahmed Dahri, Syed Fasih Ahmed Shah, Dr Kishan Chand, Rafique Ahmed Bullar, Syed Qurban Shah, Raza Hussain Chandio and others.

They presented proposals in connection with Water Policy of Sindh Government and emphasized that policy regarding use of water was necessity of time in which care is being taken for use of water for agriculture, citizens and all other sections of life