SUKKUR, Sept 3: Irrigation authorities are launching silt-clearing operation in the left pocket of Sukkur Barrage early on Thursday morning to enhance supply of water for the upcoming Rabi season.

Sources in the irrigation department said that tons of silt had accumulated in front of spans from No60 to 66, which often remained down to maintain the barrage’s pond level to help keep supply of water smooth to off-taking canals.

The sources said that Irrigation Secretary Mir Mohammad Parhiyar had visited Sukkur Barrage late on Tuesday night and after discussions with chief engineer Mohammad Haroon Memon decided to launch scouring operation to wash away the silt.

The scouring operation would continue for 36 hours up till Friday evening. The sources said that off-taking canals Khairpur Feeder East and Khairpur Feeder West had been closed and supply to Rohri and Nara canals had been cut by 50 per cent to start the operation.—BoC