LARKANA: Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro on Monday visited various dykes regarded as vulnerable to erosion during the current monsoon. He inspected dykes like Bhanoth, Madd, Madd Koreja Bhan etc where strengthening work is currently under way.

“The river consistently hits the banks which is why we are always engaged in flood-fighting in these areas,” he said while talking to journalists during his visit to Moria loop bund. He said the river had frequently been hitting this bund, making it a consistent weak point. “Therefore, instructions have been given to the chief engineer and other officials concerned that in case of an emergency at the Moria loop bund, immediate and necessary actions should be taken,” he said.

“We will mobilise all available resources to ensure safety of people’s lives and property,” he added.

Jam Shoro said that last year, a hydrologist was consulted and he had recommended interventions at various locations. These interventions typically involved construction of T-spur or J-spur of stud at three different points. “However, when the river shifts its course, it starts hitting other locations. Due to continuous floods and rainfall, flood-fighting efforts must be sustained,” he said.

Whether it’s Aqil, Moria, or a new site, the river continues to push against different areas — a persistent process that necessitates ongoing work, he said, adding that during monsoon rains, floods, and increased water flow, the irrigation department would always remain active.

Currently, the minister said, work was under way at Koreja Bhan, Bhanoth, Madd and Haji Pur. On the right bank, reinforcement efforts were being made at Aqil, Moria, Nusrat, and Ruk where the spur structures are weak, he added.

The minister was accompanying Irrigation Secretary Zareef Khero, Chief Engineer Right Bank Mukhtiar Abro, SIDA Managing Director Prittam Das and other officials.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2025