Sindh Water Management Ordinance, 2002 (Ordinance No. XL of 2002).

This Ordinance provides for the establishment of public systems for the distribution and delivery of irrigation water, the removal of drainage water and the management of flood waters.
The Ordinance provides for the establishment of the Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (SIDA) and defines its composition. The Authority will act as a reform agent, take over the main irrigation (barrages), drainage and flood protection infrastructure, and implement participatory water management. The tasks the Authority must perform are outlined in detail in the text. The Authority shall further establish a Water Allocation Committee at each barrage and a Community Advisory Committee for the smooth interaction with the local communities in which the Authority operates.
The Government may constitute area water boards (AWBs) and Farmers Organizations (FOs) to take over the management of the main and branch canals, and distributaries and water courses. Composition, functions and tasks are set out in the text.
The Ordinance further provides for: the setting up of watercourse associations and drainage beneficiaries’ groups made up of non-elected farmers to energize the farming community and improve service delivery; the establishment of a Regulatory Authority of Irrigation, Drainage and Flood Protection to promote effective interaction and collaboration between the Authority, Boards, organizations, associations and beneficiary groups; offences and penalties; etc.