The Cholistan Canal project has sparked a significant dispute between the Sindh and Punjab governments. The Punjab government defends the project, asserting that water management is its rightful responsibility, while the Sindh government has raised concerns about the project’s potential effects on its water resources.
The Rs2.187 trillion initiative aims to irrigate over 720,000 acres of land, with the second phase involving the construction of a 185 km-long canal. The Punjab government views the project as essential for enhancing water management and agricultural productivity in the region.
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Azma Bokhari, a spokesperson for the Punjab government, strongly emphasized that water management is a right for Punjab, stating, “If Punjab manages water within its own boundaries, there should be no objections.” She expressed confusion over Sindh’s objections, questioning why the people of Sindh felt insecure about the project.
On the other hand, the Sindh government is concerned about the potential adverse impact on its water resources, fueling ongoing tensions between the two provinces. As discussions continue, both sides remain firm in their positions, with no resolution in sight yet.