Crackdown launched on water theft from CRBC canal

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Aug 21 (APP):The district administration has launched a major crackdown on illegal water theft from the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC), removing unauthorised pipelines installed to draw water from the canal and its distributaries.

The operation was conducted in Yarik Circle under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan Dr Muhammad Hamid Siddiq.

A joint enforcement team comprising officials of the Irrigation Department, CRBC WAPDA and revenue field staff inspected various points along the canal and its distributaries and identified several illegal pipelines being used to divert canal water.

The pipelines were removed on the spot and unauthorised water outlets were blocked, officials said.

Dr Siddiq said the operation was aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of canal water among farmers in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said water theft was affecting the efficient supply of water through canals and distributaries and would not be tolerated.

He said those involved in water theft were being served notices and official correspondence, while legal action was being initiated under the relevant laws. He warned that repeat offenders would face strict action, including imprisonment in accordance with the law.

The assistant commissioner said the administration was also monitoring water levels, scheduled supplies and wastage in canals and distributaries to ensure that the allocated quantity reached farmers. Departmental inquiries into reported cases of water theft were also under way to determine responsibility and take action against those found involved.

The district administration said the enforcement drive would continue until illegal water diversion was effectively brought under control. It said coordination with the Irrigation Department and other relevant agencies would be strengthened to protect the canal system, ensure fair distribution according to the irrigation schedule and safeguard farmers’ water rights.

The administration also urged farmers and the public to report illegal pipelines and unauthorised withdrawal of canal water to the relevant authorities to help prevent water theft and ensure fair distribution among all growers.