• Several locations suffer damage that demands repair before next flooding
• Work stalled as govt hasn’t paid bills worth billions of rupees

LARKANA: As the Indus River’s water level continues to fall after recent floods, several dykes in the Larkana region, including the already vulnerable Moria Loop Bund inspected earlier by officials and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders, have been damaged, a survey by Dawn has shown.

During a visit to the spot, where an emergency had been declared earlier, officials confirmed serious erosion. Bilawal and other PPP leaders had also inspected the area due to its vulnerability.

Access to the dyke on the right bank is blocked by obstacles reportedly placed by residents of Agahani and Moria villages. They are said to have done this to stop police from entering during any local dispute. Irrigation supervisor Ahsan confirmed that one approach from Akil village was heavily blocked while the other side remained open.

A proposed “Hockey Spur”, which is meant to stop fast erosion, has also run into trouble. Before construction could begin, receding water washed away its 225-foot curve. This has created a serious situation. Officials warn that the spur must be built before the next flood season or the dyke could be difficult to protect later.

According to the irrigation department, it has stored around 1.5 to 2 million cubic feet of stone near Moria Loop Bund and Akil-Aghani Loop Bund for emergencies. The “T-Spur” downstream also suffered heavy damage, with only its shank still intact. Officials say it needs urgent repair to prevent further loss.

A superintendent engineer from Northern Dadu Division told Dawn on the condition of anonymity that from the Ruk Spur in Shikarpur to the Hakra and Abad dykes in Larkana, floodwater caused damages at many points this year. Engineers estimate that 45 to 50 miles of the 86-mile stretch need repair.

Locals say the river has shifted toward the right bank is eating away sandbars and increasing pressure on the Moria Loop Bund.

Irrigation officials are considering changes to the design, location and dimensions of the proposed Hockey Spur after the consultant’s next visit. They worry that “congestion” in the river flow could occur during future floods.

Moreover, work has also slowed because contractors have not been paid. The Sindh government reportedly still owes Rs800 million for emergency work done in 2024. Another Rs138m is needed to complete the “Hockey Spur” before the flood season of next year. There is also a need for Rs800m for the Old/New Abad Bund and Rs1.4 billion for the Hakra Loop Bund. About Rs1.75bn spent during the 2025 flood fight is also unpaid.

Contractors who supported the department during the floods are now unwilling to continue work without payment.

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2025