Amid opposition by Sindh: Irsa approved water availability certificate for Cholistan canal a year back

ISLAMABAD: Amid objections from Sindh, the Indus River System Authority (Irsa) approved the water availability certificate for Cholistan canal from the Sulemanki Headworks at Sutlej River.

The water regulator factually approved on January 25, 2024 the water availability through flood supplies for Green Pakistan Project in Cholistan. In the letter, it is quite evident that Sindh Member opposed the decision. However, Irsa approved the water availability certificate by 4:1 majority for the project for extension of irrigated agriculture in smaller Cholistan by transferring water through link canals from Sulemanki Headworks. However, the lower riparian federating unit Sindh had challenged Irsa’s decision in Council of Common Interests (CCI).

According to a senior official from the Punjab Irrigation Department, during flood season, water would be diverted to Cholistan canal from Sulemanki Headworks from Jehlum or Chenab rivers through Rasool-Qadirabad, Qadirbad- Balluki and Balluki-Sulemani link channels. The water carrying capacity of these channels would be enhanced by up to 5000 cusecs. “Water from Indus or Kabul rivers will not be used for Cholistan. However, from the water share of Punjab in the whole system, the Punjab Irrigation Department has the right to use the water for the Cholistan project.”

According to the 10-daily water distribution plan, Irsa approved zero water supply for the Cholistan canal in April. However, in May and June, water will be provided to Cholistan canal under provisions of para 14(d) of the Water Apportionment Accord 1991 from Punjab’s share.

During the month of May, in a second 10-daily, the Cholistan canal will be provided with 30 cusecs and in the third 10-daily 60 cusecs of water will be provided. In June, in the first 10-daily, Cholistan canal would be provided 678 cusecs, in the second 10-daily, 845 cusecs and in the third 10-daily, Cholistan canal would be provided 870 cusecs of water. However, in the months of July, August and September, water would be provided to Cholistan canal from Punjab share of flood supplies under para 4 of the Water Apportionment Accord 1991. In July, the Cholistan canal would be provided 1,437 cusecs of water in the first 10-daily, 1,926 cusecs in the second 10-daily and 4,122 cusecs in the third 10-daily. In August, the said canal would be provided 3,416 cusecs of water in the first 10-daily, 2,760 cusecs in 2nd 10-daily and 4,122 cusecs in 3rd 10-daily. However, in September, the Cholistan canal would be provided 3,962 cusecs in the first 10-daily, 2,760 cusecs in the second 10-daily and 1,437 cusecs in the third 10-daily.