KARACHI   -   An acute shortage of water was recorded at Indus River which would cause severe damage to crops in Sindh. The water shortage has increased to 45 percent at Kotri Barrage, 60 percent at Guddu Barrage and 41 percent at Sukkur Barrage. In order to cope with the situation, water releases are being made into canals to cater people’s drinking and cooking needs only.

The Sindh government has termed the shortage of water under the water agreement as a threat to the agricultural economy of Sindh. It is reported that the water shortage has affected agriculture crops and fruit orchards. The farmers are anxious how to meet production costs of crops. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali, in a telephonic conversation, has discussed acute water scarcity in Sindh with Federal Minister for Water Resources Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah.

However, the officials have expressed hope that upcoming rains in northern part of country will improve situation. Meanwhile, the Indus River System Authority (Irsa) has increased share of Sindh and Punjab and situation will start improving in five days at Sukkur barrage while Kotri will see some improvement in eight days.