Dera Ghazi Khan: The Punjab government has devised a strategy to remove approximately 200 illegal water pumps from a section of the Chashma Canal situated in Dera Ghazi Khan, a news source reported. The decision to take effective action from next week onwards was made during a recent meeting held at the Commissioner’s office. Those found violating the laws during this crackdown will be arrested.
Out of the 170 miles of the canal, 64 flow within the Punjab. The rest is part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). There are a total of 700 illegal water pumps installed along the entire stretch of the canal. And 200 of these illegal connections are located in the Punjab. The part of the canal in Dera Ghazi Khan was designed to provide 4,879 cusecs of water. But at present, the supply has declined by 38% due to the presence of illegal water pumps.
Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner has promised indiscriminate action against water theft. Fifty cases have already been registered against 405 offenders; with 11 in police custody.
