DADU: Stagnating rainwater damaged millions of rupees worth wheat at food department’s godown at Jahaz Chowk in Sehwan town where 40,000 bags of wheat were also found adulterated with dust and stones, complained citizens.

The town residents told Dawn on Friday that stagnating rainwater in the warehouse, which was not drained out in time, had turned into a breeding ground for a plethora of insects and caused the wheat to develop rotting smell, said Ghulam Nabi Otho, a concerned citizen.

Ahmed Bux Soomro, another citizen, held the food department and district food officer responsible for the massive loss to Sindh government. “40,000 bags each containing 100 kg were also found adulterated with dust and stones.

This wheat was purchased during procurement season 2023, said Jan Mohammad Baloch, a social activist.

They demanded Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, food minister, food secretary and deputy commissioner to take notice of the issue and penalize the delinquent officials.

Published in Dawn, Aug 5th, 2023