Indus River System Authority (Irsa) has cut down 40 percent water supply to Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal, affecting the standing paddy and cotton crops in districts of South Punjab. Irrigation department sources told newsmen here on Monday that Irsa had reduced water supply from 18,000 to 10,000 cusecs to the canal. Which fell into Indus at Trimmu Headworks, which would affect standing crops in districts Vehari, Mailsi, Multan and Bahawalpur. They said that Irsa was not fulfilling the water indent for Taunsa, and the Irrigation department was facing a water shortfall of 5,000 cusecs, which was affecting paddy crops in districts DG Khan, Rahim Yar Khan and Muzaffargarh. Despite objections raised by the Punjab government, no remedial measures have yet been taken, and the province is facing constant threat of water shortage. "It was settled with Irsa that priority will be given to the paddy crop, and later water needs for Rabi crop will be fulfilled, but nothing has been done so far, however, the Sindh province is getting its due water share," said the sources. The daily water requirement of Punjab is 115,000 cusecs, while it is only getting a total of 95,000 cusecs - 43,000 cusecs from Mangla, 45,000 from Tarbela and 7,000 from other resources. Officials disclosed that the Marala-Ravi Link (MRL) canal had been closed due to water shortage in river Chenab, which was affecting the paddy crop sown over 150,000 acres in district Sialkot. India has released 70,000 cusecs water in river Sutlej at Ropad point after rain in its catchment areas. The water peak will reach Pakistan within two or three days, sources said. Commenting on the impact of water shortage on crops, DG Agriculture department Dr Anjum Ali said that the water scarcity resulting from blockage of discharges in river Chenab might affect major crops in districts Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Okara, Kasur, Pakpattan, Burewala and Vehari. He said the main crops to be affected if water scarcity in river Chenab persisted include cotton, sugarcane and fruits. Dr Ali said his department was in close contact with the Irrigation department to cope with the situation, by saving every drop of water that Punjab possibly can. "If the situation worsens, the agriculture and Irrigation departments after mutual consultation will decide the future line of action," he said. The official directly monitoring the paddy crop heaved a sigh of relief. "Rice crop, which was sown over 4.8 million acres in Punjab is at the maturing stage, and the water shortfall will not affect the crop at this point," he said, expressing hope that the 3.28 million rice produce target would be achieved. The sugarcane crop, which is progressing well so far, will however need two more waters till the advent of crushing season that begins in October next. About the cotton crop, Dr Anjum said it was sprouting in 'comparatively robust condition', however part of the crop sown late had been affected by the blight. Canal water scarcity in the cotton growing areas in the province had started to affect the crop, he added.