The Sindh Abadgar Ittehad (SAI) and civil society leaders in Thatta have strongly opposed proposed amendments to the Indus River System Authority Act 1992 and are calling for their immediate withdrawal. The changes are feared to undermine the consensus over interprovincial water distribution, which has been a contentious issue in the region. The SAI representatives highlighted concerns that the amendments would consolidate power in the hands of one individual, jeopardizing the delicate balance of water distribution among the provinces. They also criticized the lack of response from the government in handling recent rain-related damages, especially to farmers and crops.
Civil society leaders in Thatta have also voiced their opposition to the changes, accusing Punjab of unfairly seizing Sindh’s water resources. They warned that the Sindhi people will resist any attempts to alter the current arrangement and construct new dams on the Indus River. The protesters emphasized the historical grievances and the need to uphold the Water Apportionment Accord 1991 to protect Sindh’s rights.
Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2024
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