KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening the irrigation system. Describing water management as the backbone of Sindh’s agriculture sector, he said: “In order to achieve self-sufficiency in food and boost exports, we must modernise and make our irrigation infrastructure resilient against climate challenges,” he stated.

The CM was chairing a meeting of his cabinet ministers and aides at CM House to review progress of work on ongoing irrigation and agriculture projects in the province.

He directed the departments concerned to ensure timely completion of the projects, strictly adhere to the quality and standards, and diligently monitor the workmanship. He highlighted the importance of these project in ensuring food security and economic stability.

He also underscored a comprehensive approach to addressing concerns related to the irrigation infrastructure and agricultural production in the province.

Reviews progress of Sukkur Barrage gates’ replacement work

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, Jam Khan Shoro, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Chairman Planning & Development (P&D) Najam Shah, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, Finance Secretary Fayaz Jatoi, Irrigation Secretary Zarif Khero, P&D Director General Altaf Sario and others.

Jam Khan Shoro briefed the CM on the ongoing and upcoming projects, including the critical task of replacing 27 gates of the Sukkur Barrage during the current canal closure period. This upgrade is aimed at preventing water flow disruptions during peak crop seasons and ensuring a sustained water supply for millions of farmers, he said.

The government has already initiated work on 25 gates, with the focus on completing all replacements within the stipulated time.

CM Shah emphasised that the “Sukkur Barrage is the lifeline of Sindh’s agriculture and, therefore, its rehabilitation must be a top priority. He also directed increasing the scope of the rehabilitation to cover all the 27 gates”.

Stressing timely completion of the work, he warned that any delay could severely impact regional food security and water availability.

The CM also reviewed progress of work for the lining of vital KB Feeder for K-IV, a project designed to augment Karachi’s water supply by 50 per cent. He noted that 60 per cent work has been completed and the remaining work would expectedly be finished by the end of January.

He expressed his concern over partial completion of the project and instructed that at least 70 per cent of the work be completed during the current canal closure to ensure adequate water flow, reduction in losses and catering the urban and industrial requirement.

Canal desilting, maintenance

The CM emphasised the importance of desilting and regular maintenance of canals to improve conveyance efficiency and water distribution fairness.

Desilting of Akram Wah, being carried out with World Bank funding, is underway and awaiting approval, with other canal projects progressing rapidly.

The CM called for a accelerated efforts to prevent water shortages during the upcoming crop season.

He directed the P&D and Finance departments to expedite fund releases and closely monitor project progress, expenditures, and quality standards. He warned against delays and substandard work, stressing that water security, agricultural productivity, and urban water supply are interconnected and crucial for the province’s overall stability.

The chief minister concluded by instructing the departments to submit detailed progress reports on all projects and emphasised that accountability would be done for any delays or quality issues.

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2026