THATTA, Dec 14: The irrigation department has recommended the construction of a J-type spur at the left bank of the River Indus near the Thatta-Sujawal bridge.

The recommendations were made by a team of the irrigation department following a study to avert a possible diversion of the river course during future super floods.

According to sources in the irrigation department, the spur construction would cost Rs131.5 million.

The team observed that the guide embankments along the left bank of the river have become more vulnerable because of heavy periodic erosion after the Surjani breach in 1988.

Since then, the report added, the Indus has continuously built-up pressure on the left bank.

Stressing on the need for timely corrective measures, the experts said that any change in the course of the river could render the Thatta-Sujawal bridge, built after spending millions of rupees, useless.

The deviation in the river’s course may inundate the Sujawal town, important installations and fertile agricultural land causing irreparable losses.

The team, which prepared the report, was headed by the additional secretary, irrigation, Khadim Ali Memon.

Other members of the team included the chief engineer, Kotri Barrage, chief engineers of the Guddu and Sukkur barrages and the Right Bank Outfall Drain.

Meanwhile, the provincial government has allocated Rs20 million for the replacement of seven iron gates of the Keenjhar Lake’s PQ fall regulator.