Irrigation Dept Naseerabad reiterates commitment to ensure fair and equitable water distribution

Independent Report

QUETTA: The Irrigation Department Naseerabad has reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair and equitable distribution of irrigation water, stating that water can only be provided to a grower from one designated location. Any deviation from this principle makes it impossible to supply water to tail-end farmers.
In a clarification issued from the office of the department the other day, it has been emphasized that certain statements circulating on social media are misleading and contrary to the facts. There is no truth in such claims, and it is essential to set the record straight.
The department explained that a team accompanied by police personnel had gone to dismantle an illegal watercourse using official machinery. However, the operation was hindered by some local landowners who, unaware of the facts, attempted to obstruct the department’s lawful actions.
The disputed watercourse is associated with Mir Sikandar Khan Umrani and other local landlords. These landowners are already being supplied agricultural water from the Temple Branch. According to the regulations of the Irrigation Department, a landowner is entitled to water from only one designated source. Providing water from multiple sources for land situated in one area is strictly against departmental policy.
When the department began legal action today, it was disrupted, which not only interfered with official duties but also obstructed the legal process. The department has adopted a comprehensive crackdown against all illegal water connections and watercourses, and several such connections have already been terminated.
In recent days, around 70 unauthorized connections from the outer side of the Pat Feeder Canal have been disconnected. These were spread across different locations and tribal areas. Farmers are urged to cooperate with the department and maintain communication with officials to ensure access to their lawful share of water.
The department emphasized that no illegal extraction of irrigation water will be tolerated. All actions are being taken strictly in accordance with departmental policies and without any political bias. Today’s action was also part of the department’s regular enforcement mechanism, which was unfortunately hindered.
The doors of the Irrigation Department are always open to all farmers. They are encouraged to approach the department for redressal and resolution in accordance with the rules. Illegal actions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
These operations are being carried out impartially and should not be associated with political motives. Provincial Minister for Irrigation Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani has directed that the command area must be cultivated and no illegal practices should be tolerated, so that rightful farmers receive their due share of water.