KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday said that improving Karachi’s water supply required not only expanding infrastructure but also making better use of the water already available.
“Karachi’s water requirements are increasing, and we must take every possible measure to improve its supply. Saving water through better canal management and lining works is as important as developing new water infrastructure,” he said while chairing a meeting held here at CM House.
The chief minister reviewed a series of measures to improve Karachi’s water supply by reducing losses in the canal system, enhancing water conveyance efficiency and strengthening the supply arrangements under the much-awaited K-IV project.
He said the lining of the Kalri Baghar (KB) Feeder — the main conduit supplying water to Karachi — was expected to save valuable water and increase the quantity available for Karachi.
Reviewing the storage position of Keenjhar Lake and the feasibility of Kotri Barrage, the chief minister directed the relevant departments to ensure uninterrupted water supply to Karachi and Hyderabad during the forthcoming canal and barrage closure.
Says KB Feeder lining work will increase water availability for Karachi
The meeting, held at the CM House, was attended by Minister for Planning and Development and Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Planning and Development Board Chairman Najam Shah, Irrigation Secretary Zarif Khero and other senior officials.
Mr Shoro and the irrigation secretary gave a detailed briefing on the progress of the K-IV-related KB Feeder lining works, the anticipated water savings through improved conveyance efficiency and the current storage and availability position of Keenjhar Lake.
He also briefed the meeting on the feasibility report of Kotri Barrage and its significance for the province’s long-term water management and security.
The meeting reviewed how the KB Feeder lining works could contribute to reducing water losses and improving the efficiency of the conveyance system supplying the K-IV project.
The participants also discussed the need to align the progress of these works with Karachi’s growing bulk water requirements.
He said that reducing losses during conveyance and improving the efficiency of the canal network were essential to ensuring that more water reached the city.
Discussing Keenjhar Lake, the CM emphasised the need for continuous monitoring of its storage and available water resources.
He directed the irrigation department and Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to remain in close coordination and base their supply arrangements on an updated and realistic assessment of water availability.
The chief minister directed the irrigation department and KWSC to jointly assess the requirements of Karachi and Hyderabad, prepare advance arrangements and ensure timely communication between the agencies concerned to avoid any disruption.
“Water supply to Karachi and Hyderabad must remain a priority. Citizens should not face avoidable hardship because of inadequate planning or coordination. All departments must work together and ensure that the necessary arrangements are completed well before the closure period,” he directed.
The feasibility report of Kotri Barrage also came under discussion. The chief minister emphasised that decisions concerning major water infrastructure should be based on sound technical assessments, long-term sustainability and the water requirements of the province. He called for a coordinated approach to strengthen water security while minimising any impact on urban supplies.
He further directed the authorities to closely monitor progress on the KB Feeder lining works and ensure that the anticipated water savings were properly assessed and factored into future supply planning for Karachi.
Reaffirming the Sindh government’s commitment to improving urban water services, Mr Shah said that the government would continue to invest in water infrastructure, improve the efficiency of existing systems and strengthen coordination between the irrigation department and urban water utilities.
He said that the government was focused on addressing immediate supply challenges as well as developing sustainable arrangements to meet the growing water needs of Karachi and Hyderabad.
The CM directed all departments to remain vigilant, maintain close coordination and take timely measures to ensure that the forthcoming closure did not disrupt water supplies to the two cities.
Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2026
