SUKKUR: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday visited Sukkur Barrage and inspected the repair and rehabilitation work started after the June 20 damage to its two gates – Nos. 44 and 47.

Irrigation Secretary Zarif Khero briefed the CM about extent of the damage and said that the repair work had been started on an emergency basis. All available resources were being utlised, he added.

“The Irrigation Department is determined to ensure repair of both gates and restore supplies to all canals off-taking from Sukkur Barrage … ,” said Mr Khero.

CM Shah noted that a five-member committee had already been formed to investigate the incident and determine the cause of the damage.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro on Monday said that concerted efforts were under way to restore water supply to the affected canals by expeditiously activating Sukkur Barrage.

He held out the assurance that repair and maintenance works were being carried out on a war footing to ensure that the barrage was restored to its optimal functioning level.

The minister also directed the authorities concerned to take all necessary measures to minimise disruption in water supply and ensure that the affected canals were replenished at the earliest.

The minister announced that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for gate No. 47 had been prepared, paving the way for its restoration.

He said that the Chinese engineers who were already working at the barrage before the recent accident were currently engaged in the repair of the gate No. 44.

The minister said that a camp had been set up at the barrage where engineers and experts were working day and night.

Jam Khan Shoro said that the committee formed to investigate the damage was supposed to submit its report within five days.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2024