Farmers Demand Stronger Crackdown on Canal Water Theft in DI Khan

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Jul 14 (APP): A delegation from the Dera Chamber of Agriculture met the Assistant Commissioner Dera to raise concerns over the acute water shortage in the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC), alleging that water theft and irregularities in the canal system were severely affecting irrigation across the district.

The delegation, led by Chamber of Agriculture President Haji Abdul Rashid Dhap, said the persistent shortage of canal water was mainly caused by the alleged theft of water along the western side of the canal, the existence of illegal outlets (moghas), and unauthorized obstructions in various distributaries. These issues, they said, were preventing a fair supply of water to the tail-end areas. The delegation acknowledged the district administration’s ongoing operation against water theft, describing it as a positive initiative. However, it stressed that the campaign needed to be intensified to eliminate illegal watercourses, unauthorized outlets and other obstructions disrupting the irrigation system. The representatives also called for indiscriminate legal action against those involved in water theft, regardless of their influence, to ensure that farmers receive their rightful share of irrigation water without delay.

They warned that the water shortage was seriously affecting agricultural activities across the district, with crops such as rice, sugarcane and other seasonal produce facing significant losses. They added that unless the canal system was cleared of illegal interference, agricultural output would decline further, causing heavy financial losses to farmers.

The assistant commissioner assured the delegation that the district administration was committed to ensuring the equitable distribution of canal water and would further strengthen its crackdown on water theft to safeguard the interests of farmers.