Sindh CM directs inquiry into illegal water outlets of Nara Canal

CM gave directions while presiding over meeting on water shortages at CM House

KARACHI: The irrigation department was directed by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to conduct a thorough inquiry into illegal water outlets taken from the Nara Canal and manage the proper distribution of water in the entire canal system.

This he directed while presiding over a meeting on water shortages, particularly from the Nara Canal system, at CM House on Monday. The meeting was attended by MNAs, Mir Munawar Talpur and Nawab Yousuf Talpur, Provincial Minister Dr Sikandar Mandhro, Imdad Pitafi, MPAs Ali Mardan Shah and Mir Hayat Talpur, Irrigation Secretary Syed Jamal Shah and others.

MNA Nawab pointed out there were illegal watercourses set up on Jamrao Canal. To this, the chief minister said this was not acceptable at all and directed the irrigation secretary to conduct a thorough inquiry and take strict action if any illegal watercourse is detected.



The Nara Canal system can be divided into two sections - the 115-miles-long Upper Nara, located between Sukkur Barrage and Jamrao weir and the 105-mile-long Lower Nara that is below Jamrao weir, said Irrigation Secretary Jamal.

The total length of the Nara Canal is 220 miles with a capacity to hold 13,602 cusecs of water. There are six other canals in the Nara Canal System, such as Upper Nara, Lower Nara, Jamrao Canal, Twin Jamrao Canal, Mithrao Canal, Khirpro Canal.

Before the construction of the Sukkur Barrage, the Nara Canal was an inundation channel, which followed the course of old Hakro River that ceased to flow in the 19th century.



The Nara Canal Area Water Board has taken serious efforts for equitable distribution of water, which includes recording tail gauges of each canal twice a day, Jamal said, adding that the executive engineers have also been instructed to keep a strict watch over the direct outlets.

A rotation programme has also been launched to provide water in the entire system, he said.