SAHIWAL: The irrigation department has suspended nine officials, including two sub-divisional canal officers (SDOs), two sub-engineers, two mates and three baildars, for their alleged involvement in facilitating canal water theft and initiated disciplinary proceedings under the Peeda Act.
Report said the department had started a province-wide crackdown against water theft and had also been investigating its own officials. The latest action targets officials accused of colluding with water thieves and influential landowners, thereby causing losses to the irrigation system and depriving genuine small and tail-end farmers of their due water share.
Dawn learnt from sources that on the recommendation of Sahiwal Zone Irrigation Chief Engineer Khalid Sarfraz, the Punjab Irrigation secretary suspended Muhammad Suleman Munawar, Sub-Divisional Canal Officer of Ganji Bar Niawala Bungalow SubDivision; and Tariq Abbas, SubDivisional Officer of RenalaKhurd, over allegations of corruption and misconduct.
Meanwhile, Chief Engineer Khalid Sarfraz also ordered the suspension of two sub-engineers, Muhammad Bilal Hussain of Ganji Bar Niawala Bungalow SubDivision and Muhammad Zaman of Renala Khurd Sub-Division.
The suspended officers have been directed to report to the department’s administrative office pending further inquiry.
In addition, two mates and three baildars have also been suspended for their alleged involvement in irregularities. Departmental proceedings under the Peeda Act will determine their responsibility and possible penalties.
Officials said the action was taken following public complaints of corruption and manipulation of government-sanctioned water outlets (moghas). Investigations revealed that some officials allegedly colluded with big farmers and influential landlords to enlarge outlet (moga) sizes beyond their approved specifications or altered them through unauthorised downsizing and modifications, enabling excessive withdrawal of canal water.Sources added that the department had now tightened its scrutiny of officials suspected of facilitating water theft through collusion with influential landowners.
Monitoring teams have been activated across the region to identify violations and ensure transparency in the distribution of irrigation water.
Irrigation EXEN Mr Talha said the on-going campaign was meant to curb corruption, protect water resources for tail-end and small farmers and enforce accountability within its own ranks.
Sources revealed that recently the department had registered two criminal cases against 88 farmers, including 13 nominated suspects, for allegedly stealing canal water by breaking official water outlets (moghas) in Chak 56/5-L and Chak 57/5-L. No arrests have been made so far.
Sources said the cases related to incidents of water theft were reported from Rajbah 5-L between Nov 2 and 6. The department alleged that several farmers illegally damaged government water outlets to divert canal water for unauthorised use.