Sukkur Barrage to close for 15 days for renovation, cleaning

Sukkur Barrage will close for 15 days from January 6 for cleaning and renovation, impacting water supply.

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Sukkur Barrage, the largest irrigation system in Pakistan, will be closed for 15 days starting January 6 for its annual cleaning and renovation, citing a barrage official local media reported on Monday.

The closure, which will last until January 20, will affect all seven off-taking canals. The structure's gates have been opened to allow for necessary maintenance as water levels in the barrage drop.

Officials warned that the city’s drinking water supply could be disrupted during the closure.

Residents have been advised to store water in advance, and local authorities have been asked to arrange alternative water sources.

Inaugurated in 1932 by the British Viceroy of India, Lord Wellington, the Sukkur Barrage has 66 gates and supplies water to several canals, crucial for agriculture in the region.

Earlier, Sindh's Irrigation Minister, Jam Khan Shoro, visited the Sukkur Barrage to hold a key meeting with Chinese engineers regarding the repair of the barrage's gates.

The engineers and local irrigation officials provided the minister with an update on the progress, especially concerning Gate No. 44.

During the visit, Shoro also toured the ongoing development work at the barrage.

He was accompanied by Environmental Adviser Dost Muhammad Rahimoon, Sindh Assembly Member Dr. Sikandar Shoro, and other officials.

The Sukkur Barrage plays a crucial role in Sindh’s irrigation system, regulating the water flow in the River Indus for both irrigation and flood control, making its repair and maintenance vital for the region's agricultural water supply.