Provincial Minister Syed Ali Mardan Shah, terming the irrigation water scarcity in District Umerkot as artificial and created by some vested interests, has vowed to take all possible measures to remove the shortage. He was speaking at a big public gathering at Town Hall, Umerkot after his arrival there following his induction as the provincial minister. He said water shortage was the number one problem for the rural areas of the province where the agricultural economy had been badly affected. He also warned those elements to stop illegal use of water otherwise stern action would be initiated against them. He announced formation of a committee headed by the DCO and comprising irrigation officials to monitor the ongoing water rotation process and ensure judicious distribution of available water in the district. About poverty alleviation, creating employment opportunities and reducing the economic disparity, the minister said the party was committed to fulfil the mission of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. Syed Ali Mardan Shah announced that a technical college would soon start working in the district, adding that a sports stadium would be developed here. He also announced the widening of Umerkot-Mirpurkhas Road by 24 feet. The Minister said Hesco would not be allowed to conduct load shedding beyond fixed hours and natural gas facility would be provided to District Umerkot. The Minister expressed his concern over deteriorating academic standard in the district and ordered the officials of Education Department to undertake all out measures to improve the educational standard. Referring to some recent incidents of crime in the district, the Minister directed the police to bring all culprits to book without delay or face serious action. Syed Ali Mardan Shah announced that false cases lodged against party workers by the previous regime would soon be withdrawn. MNA from Thar Dr Mahesh Malani, MPA from Kunri, Nawab Taimur Talpur, Anwar Ali Rajar, Syed Ghulam Rasool Shah, Syed Sardar Ahmed Shah and others also spoke on the occasion. The speakers thanked the party leadership for giving adequate representation to the minority community and women in the federal and provincial cabinet. Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2008