In Pakistan Indus River K The water Indus River System Authority (Indus River System Authority)ArsaNationalist and political parties of the country’s southern province of Sindh are opposing the proposal of amendments in the law related to ).
Sindh’s nationalist parties and community groups expressed concern over the proposed amendments to the Ursa Act 1992, depriving smaller provinces, especially Sindh, of its water in the Indus River and dams and controversial canals on the country’s longest and most important river. It is part of the construction efforts.
The head of Qaumi Awami Tehreek Ayaz Plaju told Independent Urdu that political and nationalist parties of Sindh will prepare an action plan on September 10 against the proposed amendments.
Leaders of various parties including Qaumi Awami Tehreek, Sindh United Party, Sindh Progressive Party, Jai Sindh Mahaz, Tehreek-e-Insaf Sindh, Pakistan Peoples Party (Workers), Awami Jamhoori Party will participate in the meeting.
Indus River System Authority (IRSA)
The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) is an agency in Pakistan responsible for overseeing the equitable distribution of the waters of the Indus River among the country’s four units, established by an Act of Parliament in 1992.
The purpose of establishment of IRSA is to control and monitor the distribution of Indus River water between the provinces in accordance with the Water Apportionment Agreement between the Federation and the four provinces in 1991.
Ursa monitors water distribution based on seasonally available supplies.
Proposed Amendments to the Ursa Act
Ahead of the February 2024 elections, the PDM caretaker government proposed amendments to the Ursa Act 1992, which its opponents believe would change the basic structure of the authority and make it federal.
According to Clause 4 of the existing IRSA Act, IRSA is an authority consisting of representatives of the four provinces and the federation, while its chairman is nominated by the federal units in turn.
Under the Act, the first chairperson of Arsa will be Balochistan, the second Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, followed by Punjab, and the fourth person from Sindh and finally the federal government.
According to the law, the term of IRSA chairman is one while that of provincial members is fixed for three years.
This section contains related reference points (Related Nodes field).
In the amendments proposed by the federal government, section four of the Ursa Act has been changed to sub-section two and the post of ‘Vice-Chairman’ is being added, while the members alternate for one year as Vice-Chairman. Services are recommended.
According to the proposed amendment, after implementation, the first vice-chairman of IRSA will be the nominated member of the Chief Minister of Balochistan.
The proposed amendments recommend the appointment of a grade 21 federal government officer nominated by the Prime Minister to the post of IRSA Chairman, while the term of office of the head will also be four years.
An amendment to clause eight of the IRSA Act has been proposed to provide that in case of difference of opinion between the Authority, WAPDA or any Provincial Irrigation Department, the opinion of the Authority shall prevail.
Opposition to amendments
The head of Qaumi Awami Tehreek Ayaz Latif Plaju said that it is proposed to give the election of IRSA chairman directly to the prime minister instead of the members, which will make the authority a subsidiary body of the federal government.
He said that by making the proposed proposals part of the law, Ursa will become a controversial institution, which is evidenced by the fact that the decision of the proposed amendments is submitted by the federal government instead of the Council of Common Interests.
“If this happens, it will be inhumane and un-Islamic because according to Islam, the water of a river has a greater right to its downstream areas.”
He said that if these amendments are approved, small provinces, especially Sindh, will be deprived of their share of water.
When contacted to know the position of the Indus River Authority System (IRSA) in this regard, IRSA spokesperson Muhammad Khalid Idris Rana said that so far only suggestions have been made and no amendments have been made yet.
“Only a draft has been made, this draft will go to the Assembly, where it will be discussed.” It will then go to the Senate for approval. The rules of which will be made and after that the amendment of the act is possible.
According to Khalid Idris Rana: ‘People protesting the proposed amendments should read the draft. These proposals may be rejected in the National Assembly or may not be approved by the Senate.
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#Proposed #Amendments #Ursa #Act #Restrictions #Sindh #Nationalist #Political #Parties
2024-09-09 03:16:34
Water Apportionment Accord 1991 summary
Table of Contents
The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) and the Proposed Amendments: A Threat to Provincial Rights
The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) is a crucial institution in Pakistan responsible for the equitable distribution of the waters of the Indus River among the country’s four provinces. Established by an Act of Parliament in 1992, IRSA’s primary objective is to control and monitor the distribution of Indus River water between the provinces in accordance with the Water Apportionment Agreement between the Federation and the four provinces in 1991 [[3]].
Recently, the PDM caretaker government proposed amendments to the Ursa Act 1992, which have sparked widespread concern among nationalist and political parties in Sindh. The proposed amendments have been criticized for attempting to change the basic structure of the authority, making it more federal and depriving smaller provinces, especially Sindh, of their share of water in the Indus River and dams.
The existing IRSA Act ensures that the authority consists of representatives from the four provinces and the federation, with the chairman nominated by the federal units in turn. The proposed amendments, however, seek to change this structure by introducing the post of Vice-Chairman and making the Prime Minister responsible for appointing the IRSA Chairman [[2]].
Opponents of the proposed amendments argue that this will make the authority a subsidiary body of the federal government, undermining the rights of smaller provinces. According to Ayaz Latif Palijo, head of Qaumi Awami Tehreek, “If this happens, it will be inhumane and un-Islamic because according to Islam, the water of a river has a greater right to its downstream areas” [[1]].
The proposed amendments have also been criticized for being submitted by the federal government instead of the Council of Common Interests, which is responsible for resolving disputes between the provinces. This has raised concerns about the motives behind the amendments and whether they are an attempt to consolidate power in the federal government.
IRSA spokesperson Muhammad Khalid Idris Rana has stated that the proposed amendments are still in the draft stage and have not been finalized. He has encouraged people protesting the amendments to read the draft, as it may still be rejected in the National Assembly or Senate [[1]].
In response to the proposed amendments, nationalist and political parties in Sindh have announced their intention to prepare an action plan against the proposed changes. Leaders from various parties, including Qaumi Awami Tehreek, Sindh United Party, Sindh Progressive Party, Jai Sindh Mahaz, Tehreek-e-Insaf Sindh, Pakistan Peoples Party (Workers), and Awami Jamhoori Party, have pledged to participate in the meeting.
The controversy surrounding the proposed amendments to the IRSA Act highlights the need for transparency and consultation in decision-making processes that affect the rights of provinces. It is essential to ensure that any changes to the act are made in consultation with all stakeholders, including the provinces, to avoid any potential harm to the country’s federal structure.
References:
Sindh Sagar doab is between which two rivers
The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) and the Proposed Amendments: A Controversy Brewing in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) plays a crucial role in overseeing the equitable distribution of water among the country’s four provinces. Established by an Act of Parliament in 1992, IRSA’s primary objective is to control and monitor the distribution of Indus River water in accordance with the Water Apportionment Agreement between the Federation and the four provinces in 1991. However, recent proposed amendments to the Ursa Act 1992 have sparked controversy, with nationalist and political parties of Sindh opposing the changes, citing fears that they would deprive smaller provinces of their water share.
The Proposed Amendments
The amendments, proposed by the federal government ahead of the February 2024 elections, aim to change the basic structure of the authority, making it federal. The proposed changes include the addition of a ‘Vice-Chairman’ post, with members alternating for one year as Vice-Chairman. Furthermore, the amendments recommend the appointment of a grade 21 federal government officer nominated by the Prime Minister to the post of IRSA Chairman, with a term of office of four years. An amendment to clause eight of the IRSA Act has also been proposed, stating that in case of a difference of opinion between the Authority, WAPDA, or any Provincial Irrigation Department, the opinion of the Authority shall prevail.
Opposition to Amendments
The head of Qaumi Awami Tehreek, Ayaz Latif Plaju, has expressed concerns that the proposed amendments would give the Prime Minister direct control over the election of the IRSA chairman, making the authority a subsidiary body of the federal government. He argues that this would be “inhumane and unjust” and would lead to the Authority becoming a controversial institution. Political and nationalist parties of Sindh, including Qaumi Awami Tehreek, Sindh United Party, Sindh Progressive Party, Jai Sindh Mahaz, Tehreek-e-Insaf Sindh, Pakistan Peoples Party (Workers), and Awami Jamhoori Party, have vowed to prepare an action plan against the proposed amendments.
The Importance of IRSA
IRSA’s role in managing the Indus River’s water resources cannot be overstated. The Indus River is the longest and most important river in Pakistan, and its water is vital for the country’s agriculture, industry, and drinking water supply. IRSA’s oversight ensures that the water is distributed fairly among the provinces, taking into account seasonal variations in water supply. For instance, recent data released by IRSA shows that the water level in the River Indus at Tarbela Dam stood at 1457.55 feet, marking a 43.55 feet increase from the previous year [[3]]. Similarly, IRSA released 281,500 cusecs of water from various rim stations in April 2024, with an inflow of 296,100 cusecs [[1]].
The Crisis of Institutions
The ongoing crisis within IRSA highlights the problem of institutions that govern water resources in Pakistan. As mentioned in a report by IPCS, “the ongoing crisis within the IRSA in Pakistan over the opening (and closure) of Chashma-Jhelum link canal, highlights the problem of institutions that govern water resources” [[2]]. This crisis underscores the need for a more effective and inclusive governance framework that takes into account the interests of all stakeholders, particularly the smaller provinces.
Conclusion
The proposed amendments to the Ursa Act 1992 have sparked a heated debate in Pakistan, with many expressing concerns that they would lead to the Authority becoming a subsidiary body of the federal government. The IRSA plays a vital role in managing the country’s water resources, and any changes to its structure should be made with caution and consultation with all stakeholders. As the country grapples with
