Authorities in Sindh have initiated a critical 15-day shutdown of the Sukkur Barrage, the province's largest irrigation system, for its annual maintenance and rehabilitation work. The closure, which began on January 6, will continue until January 20, 2024.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Underway
Officials from the Sukkur Barrage confirmed that all seven canals originating from the barrage have been temporarily closed. To facilitate the extensive cleaning and repair operations, all 66 gates of the barrage have been fully opened. The maintenance activities are being carried out as part of the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP), which is designed to prolong the operational life of this essential infrastructure.
Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro provided details on the scope of the work. He announced that 27 barrage gates are scheduled for replacement this year. Furthermore, comprehensive geo-physical investigations will be performed on both the upstream and downstream floors of the structure to assess its condition. A coffer dam has already been constructed between gates 15 and 22 to support these rehabilitation activities.
Vital for Sindh's Agricultural Heartland
Minister Shoro emphasized the barrage's immense importance, stating that nearly 80 percent of Sindh's agriculture relies on water supplied through the Sukkur Barrage. The ongoing efforts are a direct investment in the region's food security and economic stability.
The minister expressed confidence in the project's long-term benefits, noting, “After completion of these works, the lifespan of the Sukkur Barrage will increase by around 30 years.” He added that the replacement of 19 gates is set to begin within January itself. This follows last year's annual closure, during which 16 gates were successfully replaced.
Historical Significance and Future Plans
Constructed during the British colonial era, the Sukkur Barrage is a landmark of engineering. Its foundation stone was laid in October 1923 by the then Governor of Bombay, George Lloyd. The barrage was officially inaugurated on January 13, 1932, by the Viceroy of India, Lord Wellington.
The barrage feeds seven major canals that form the backbone of irrigation in Sindh:
- On the right bank of the Indus: Dadu Canal, Rice Canal, and North Western Canal (Kirthar).
- On the left bank: Khairpur Feeder West, Rohri Canal, Khairpur Feeder East, and Nara Canal.
Looking ahead, Minister Shoro outlined the next phase of the SBIP. After the completion of the barrage gate replacements, the project will focus on replacing 55 gates across the seven off-taking canals. The broader SBIP initiative also includes dredging of the Indus River upstream of the barrage and the construction of additional coffer dams to ensure the long-term structural safety of this historic and vital asset.
