PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT

LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR

TUESDAY, THE 29^TH OCTOBER, 2024

8          *Mr. Ali Khurshidi:  

Will the Minister for Irrigation be pleased to State:-

1. Is it a fact that there has been shortage of water which affected agricultural productivity during 2019-2022;

(b)    If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative the reasons thereof as well as steps taken to resolve the issues?

ANSWER

MR. JAM KHAN SHORO, MINISTER FOR IRRIGATION:

Yes, it is fact that there was averagely 20 to 30 percent shortage of water in River Indus during 2019-2021, due to which the less supply was released into the canals, hence the department faced water problem specially in the tail systems of the off-taking main canals.

In this regard, the Irrigation Department taken effective steps and measures to provide equitable distribution of irrigation water to all tail enders to control over the shortage problem. However, by rotation programme was also implemented at sites of shortage, so as to overcome the problem and to save agriculture productivity of Sindh Province.

In order to save the water losses, the programme for lining of the channels has also been started to cope the matter.

196      *Mr. Abdul Basit:  

Will the Minister for Irrigation be pleased to State:-

(a)   Whether it is a fact that water Scarcity Posing a significant challenge for Agriculture in the province;

(b)  If answer to (a) above is in affirmative the details thereof alongwith steps taken by the department to overcome water shortage issue?

ANSWER

MR. JAM KHAN SHORO, MINISTER FOR IRRIGATION:

Yes, it is a fact that there was averagely 20 to 30 percent shortage of water in River Indus. Due to which the less supply was released into the canals, hence the department faced water problem specially in the tail systems of the off-taking main canals.

The Sindh Irrigation Department has undertaken significant expenditure to address water scarcity by lining channels and water course to conserve water. Additionally, a number of small dams have been constructed to recharge groundwater. The department has also initiated public awareness campaigns to educate the community on water conservation practices.

The available water is being distributed and managed through the internal rotation of channels.      

235      *Mr. Muhammad Daniyal:  

Will the Minister for Irrigation be pleased to State:-

1. Whether the department has taken efforts during last five years to store rain-water for utilization of agricultural purposes;
2. If answer to (a) above is affirmative, the details thereof alongwith future plan for the same?

ANSWER

MR. JAM KHAN SHORO, MINISTER FOR IRRIGATION:

This Department has taken various efforts to store precious rainwater and its subsequent utilization for Agriculture and domestic purposes.

Furthermore, the local people are getting advantage from the availability of accumulated rain water and lifting it for Agriculture purpose through water pumps.

The 55 Nos. Small Dams /weirs have been constructed during the last 05 years. Details is at Annexure placed on the Table of the House.

The Feasibility study has been initiated to identify 05 Five Nos. Medium Dams, 50 Nos. Small Dams and 50 Nos. Tarries in Sindh Province for construction of more Small Dams in future.    

254      *Mr. Muhammad Daniyal:  

Will the Minister for Irrigation be pleased to State:-

1. Whether it is fact that due to shortage of water in Indus river, delta area is deteriorating;
2. If answer to (a) above is affirmative, the steps taken by the government in this regard during the last five years?

ANSWER

MR. JAM KHAN SHORO, MINISTER FOR IRRIGATION:

Yes, it is a fact that due to the shortage of water in Indus River, Delta area is affected badly.

For this, the Department has been continuously requesting to IRSA to increase the share of water to Sindh Province and except Abkalani season the supply of water whichever is released in River Indus by the IRSA out of which some quantity is released to Indus Delta, for saving it from deteriorating.

382      *Mr. Muhammad Daniyal:  

Will the Minister for Irrigation be pleased to State:-

Quantity of water in Cusecs fixed for Sindh for the month of April and May, 2023 and actually received?

ANSWER

MR. JAM KHAN SHORO, MINISTER FOR IRRIGATION:

IRSA (Indus River System Authority) in its Advisory Meeting held on 06.04.2023 anticipated a shortage of 37.6% during Early Kharif (April-I to June-I) with respect to the Water Accord 1991 for Sindh Province. Based on the anticipated shortage, Sindh Irrigation Department prepared Tentative Utilization Plan. The Water Accord Allocation 1991, planned share as per shortage & Utilization during the month of April & May, 2023 are given below:-

622      *Mr. Shariq Jamal:  

Will the Minister for Irrigation be pleased to State:-

1. Is it a fact that small dams were constructed in the province from 2018 to 2023;
2. If answer to (a) above is affirmative, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MR. JAM KHAN SHORO, MINISTER FOR IRRIGATION:

Yes, it is a fact that 57 Nos. Small Dams have been constructed from 2018 to 2023 in the Sindh Province

The List of Small Dams is at Annexure placed on the Table of the House.