WATER SHORTAGE

The water crisis in Shahdadkot and Mirokhan villages in Pakistan has worsened posing serious threats to the rice crop. In almost all the villages, farmers carrying dried rice seeds disputed the claims of irrigation department officials that only a small area was without water. This was noted during a visit by the irrigation secretary, the prime minister's consultant, farmers and journalists to the affected areas. Mohammed Mughiri, general secretary, Sindh Abadgar Board, Larkana, however, held illegal pipes and diversions meant to steal water responsible for the shortage.