Unsettling waters

 The proposed disputed modifications to the Irsa Act have sparked strong feelings in Sindh. Balochistan, too, is unhappy. Faced with a reaction from nationalist political movements, farmers, and other stakeholders in Sindh over President Asif Zardari's apparent support for the revisions, the PPP appears to have had a change of heart on the matter recently. Its senators have expressed concern over the centre's alleged intention to arrogate to itself the rights of the body and, by extension, the provinces to manage the allocation of Indus waters under the Water Apportionment Accord of 1991. The Sindh Assembly has also issued a unanimous resolution against this scheme.The topic is so vital to the province's inhabitants that the motion received unanimous support from the opposition in the provincial parliament. The resolution stated that any effort to change the existing water agreement without consulting the federating units would be deemed a breach of the water accord.

Apparently, in response to growing concerns about the government's intentions regarding the changes, Minister for Water Resources Musadik Malik claimed that the planned changes are aimed at improving water efficiency and accuracy, assuring the Senate that the objections would be addressed and allies taken into confidence. However, these pledges are unlikely to soothe the anxieties of the smaller provinces, notably Sindh and Balochistan, because of the government's attempt to alter the character of the water regulator by circumventing the Council of Common Interests. The government's attempt to modify the Irsa Act violates Article 154 of the Constitution. Similarly, Article 155 states that the CCI has the authority to decide on water allocation. Why is the government circumventing the CCI if there are no ulterior motives? Furthermore, the previous two efforts to change the Irsa structure through an ordinance, as well as the selection of a former bureaucrat as its chairman, raise concerns about the centre's intentions. Sindh has expressed its opposition to the controversial measures.However, if it is pushed through without CCI discussion and consent, it will harm all provinces in the long run. The CCI should consult with numerous stakeholders and water experts before reaching a final decision.