OKARA: Federal Minister for Water Resources Moeen Khan Wattoo has said the issue of water distribution and the new irrigation canals would be settle through an agreement among the four provinces.

Keeping in view the expected water shortage in the country and falling storage in different dams, the federal government is taking serious steps including construction of new ponds, the minister told the media persons at his native Jamal Kot village on Sunday.

He said the federal government has initiated steps to address the threats to water security in the country caused by rapid melting of glaciers because of global warming.

The minister appreciated Wapda for its under-construction projects, beside improving the hydro-power projects, increasing the water storage capacity.

He said Sindh`s concerns over the water issue has been put on hold by the Council of Common Interest (CCI) to clear all ambiguities in this regard at the earliest.

Mr Wattoo said a campaign will be launched at the district level in collaboration with the provinces to provide clean drinking water to the people and also prevent water wastage, adding that everyone should play their role in implementation of such initiatives.

He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was working day and night on the issue of looming water shortage in the country.