Sindh Zakat & Ushr Department and Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) have pledged financial assistance for the rehabilitation of Manchhar Lake and the fishermen who inhabit in the coastline. They pledge came following the Supreme Court's orders to make the water reservoir free from contamination and rehabilitate those affected by the lake's pollution. Apart from providing financial assistance to the fishermen, the provincial government started work for arranging mobile health and educational units for the villagers. The plan for rehabilitation of one of South Asia's largest freshwater lakes, includes an environmental survey to ascertain the causes behind the lake's pollution. Zakat department approved funds worth Rs 3.31 million, which will be used for the rehabilitation of 802 affected fishermen families, said a senior officer of the department. Earlier, Sindh Chief Secretary Sajjad Saleem Hotiana had presided over a meeting regarding taking measures in compliance of the apex court's orders to provide relief to the poor fishermen and rehabilitate the lake spreading over 246 square kilometers. The meeting reviewed installation of five desalination plants to ensure availability of safe and clean drinking water. Sources said that Commissioner Hyderabad Jamal Mustafa Syed told the meeting that the provincial government had contacted BISP's chairperson seeking financial assistance for the affected families. BISP had assured provision of Rs 50 million for the purpose, he added. Before releasing the amount, however, the provincial government must submit the demographic data of the victims which will be tallied with the fisheries department and the district administration, sources said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2014