Pakistan: Farmers, nationalists join forces against new canals
Farmers in Sindh Protest Against New Canals on Indus River
In Hyderabad, Pakistan, farmers' organizations in Sindh have united under the Anti Canals Action Committee to oppose the federal government's plan to build six new canals on the Indus River. Leaders from the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA), Sindh Abadgar Board (SAB), and Sindh Abadgar Ittehad (SAI) held a press conference to voice their concerns. They argue that the project will worsen the region's water crisis.
Concerns Over Water Shortages
Syed Meeran Muhammad Shah, head of the SCA, criticized the project, highlighting the lack of water in the system. He expressed concern over the declining water levels below the Kotri barrage, which have affected lakes, aquifers, and the delta in Sindh. Shah also mentioned that the Cholistan canal is being constructed without proper approvals, and the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved the canals without addressing project flaws.
Protests and Opposition
Shah announced a protest campaign starting November 23, continuing until December 11. Mahmood Nawaz Shah of the SAB also criticized other canal projects, noting that international lenders like the Asian Development Bank have suspended funding for the Jalalpur canal due to opposition. Sindh nationalists have held demonstrations, accusing institutions like IRSA, CDWP, and WAPDA of bias against Sindh.
Political and Financial Resistance
Qaumi Awami Tehreek President Ayaz Latif Palijo addressed a rally, questioning the absence of elected officials in Sindh's defense. The Sindh government has assured farmers it will resist the projects in the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and other forums. Farmers' leaders plan to engage with project financiers to discourage support for the initiatives.
Doubts Revealed
Sindh
Sindh is a province in Pakistan, similar to how Maharashtra is a state in India. It is located in the southeastern part of the country.
Indus River
The Indus River is one of the longest rivers in the world, flowing through China, India, and Pakistan. It is very important for providing water to the people and farms in these regions.
Canals
Canals are man-made waterways that are used to transport water from one place to another. They are often used for irrigation to help farmers water their crops.
Water crisis
A water crisis happens when there is not enough clean water for people to drink, use for farming, or other needs. It can cause problems for people and the environment.
Anti Canals Action Committee
The Anti Canals Action Committee is a group of people who are working together to stop the building of new canals. They believe these canals will cause more harm than good.
Approvals
Approvals are permissions that need to be given by authorities before starting a big project. Without approvals, a project might not be allowed to continue.
Sindh nationalists
Sindh nationalists are people who strongly support the rights and interests of the Sindh province. They often work to protect their region's resources and culture.
Political channels
Political channels refer to the ways people can use politics, like talking to leaders or organizing protests, to make changes or express their opinions.
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