Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has urged the growers upstream of canals and waterways to recognise and restore the water rights of tail-end growers in the interest of development of agriculture sector in the province.
Talking to newsmen at Bhitshah and Goth Jam Nawaz Ali he said that once the rights of tail-end growers are restored then the matter would be taken up with upper riparian of Rive Indus to restore the rights of lower riparian.
He said that around 70 percent water is available and what was need was equitable distribution of water to all stakeholders.
He said that he had talked about the construction of dams, without naming any dam including Kalabagh and added that he sincerely believes in construction of major water conservation projects in view of future needs but that, too, with the consensus of opinion with the people of all federating units of the country.
He said he would not hesitate to take up people's problems as chief minister of the province as he had taken people's problems with Wapda authorities and continues to do so unless Wapda and KESC mend their ways and serve the people with sincerity of purpose.
About shortage of stable food and price hike he said departments are plagued with corruption and administratively at zero level and they would have to improve their working. He said that the food department is plagued with Mafia of distribution, storage officials who are hand in glove with profiteers and are responsible for creating artificial food shortage by allowing hoarding of wheat.
He said he had directed the Secretary Food to make efforts to unearth hoarded wheat and those found guilty of hoarding should be brought to book. He said wheat crisis in future would not be tolerated.