The ongoing canal dispute in Sindh has escalated into a significant political and environmental issue, centering on the federal government’s plan to construct six new canals under the Green Pakistan Initiative. This project aims to divert water from the Indus River to irrigate approximately 4.8 million acres of land, including areas in Punjab’s Cholistan region. However, it has faced strong opposition from the Sindh government and various civil society groups, who argue that the project threatens Sindh’s water rights, agriculture, and the ecological balance of the Indus Delta .
Key Concerns and Developments
- Water Shortages in Sindh: The Sindh government has raised alarms over severe water shortages, particularly in the lower regions and the Indus Delta. They contend that the diversion of water upstream through the new canals will exacerbate these shortages, impacting agriculture and livelihoods .
- Opening of TP Link Canal: Tensions intensified when the Punjab irrigation department opened the Taunsa-Panjnad (TP) Link Canal on April 15, diverting water during a period when Sindh was experiencing acute shortages. Sindh’s irrigation department objected to this move, emphasizing the adverse effects on their already strained water resources .
- Protests and Political Response: Widespread protests have erupted across Sindh, including sit-ins by lawyers, nationalist organizations, and civil society groups. Notably, the Babarloi Dharna near Sukkur has caused significant disruptions, blocking the National Highway and halting traffic between Sindh and Punjab. Protesters argue that the canal project violates the 1991 Water Accord and threatens the region’s ecological stability .
- Political Stance: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari have publicly opposed the project. The Sindh Assembly passed a unanimous resolution against the initiative in March, and opposition parties have intensified their agitation, demanding the project’s cancellation .
- Federal Government’s Position: The federal government and Punjab authorities have defended the project, asserting that it aims to utilize barren lands for agriculture. They argue that the project is within legal parameters and necessary for national development .
Path Forward
In light of the escalating tensions, both the federal and Sindh governments have agreed to engage in dialogue to address the concerns surrounding the canal project. Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs and Inter-Provincial Coordination, Rana Sanaullah, emphasized the importance of dialogue and expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved amicably .
The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing protests and political negotiations. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in determining the future of the canal project and its implications for inter-provincial relations and water resource management in Pakistan.
