In a controversial decision, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has approved the Cholistan Canal Project, allowing Punjab to use water from the Sutlej River for irrigated farming in the Cholistan Desert. This decision has sparked major backlash from Sindh, which strongly opposed the move.
IRSA Secretary Jahanzab Khan has also issued a water availability certificate to the Punjab government, giving the green light to start the project.
The Cholistan Canal will branch from the Sutlej River at the Sulemanki Headworks and is expected to provide around 450,000 acre-feet of water. The project aims to convert thousands of acres of barren land into agricultural land, covering nearly 400,000 acres.
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Read MoreHowever, Sindh's IRSA member, Ehsan Leghari, strongly disagreed and submitted a formal dissent note. He stated that this move is unfair to Sindh and will reduce the flow of water from the Indus River. According to him, the water being claimed is not only from the Sutlej River but also from link canals connected to the Indus system.
The federal government plans to construct up to six canals on the Indus River to support agriculture in the Cholistan region. However, the plan has been rejected by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) — a major political ally — and many Sindh nationalist groups.
As per reports, the project cost is estimated at Rs211.4 billion. Despite promises of economic development and increased agriculture, the project has triggered widespread protests across Sindh.
Various political parties, religious groups, nationalist organizations, and civil society bodies have staged rallies in Sindh, demanding the cancellation of the canal project, calling it a threat to the province’s water rights.
What Is Irrigated Agriculture?
Irrigated agriculture means growing crops using artificial methods like diverting river water through canals or using spray systems. The Cholistan project plans to bring water to dry areas for farming.
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- Pakistan news
- Sindh news
- Cholistan Canal project
- Indus River water dispute
- IRSA decisions
- Punjab vs Sindh water conflict
