Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has sanctioned Rs502 million to the Irrigation Department to cover the costs for repairs and replacements of the damaged gates at the Sukkur Barrage. The approval came during a meeting held at CM House on Saturday, attended by Minister of Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, Secretary to the CM Raheem Shaikh, Secretary of Irrigation Zarif Khero, and other relevant officials. Secretary of Irrigation Zarif Khero briefed the CM on the situation, explaining that damage was discovered on Gate Nos. 44 and 47 of the Sukkur Barrage on June 20, 2024.
“Gate No. 44 was found twisted but still intact in its overall structure, while Gate No. 47 had suffered severe damage,” Khero reported. The funds will be used to address these issues and ensure the barrage continues functioning effectively. The chief minister praised the Irrigation Department for their swift action in diagnosing the problem and initiating repairs.
To avoid further damages and to facilitate the emergency repair works of Gates No. 44 and 47, all Sukkur Barrage Gates were fully opened to evacuate the upstream pond. Consequently, the supply to all Canals off-taking from the Left and Right Side of Sukkur Barrage, such as Nara, Rohi, Khairpur East, Khairpur West, Northern Dadu, Rice, and NW Canal was reduced until the restoration of Gates No. 44 and 47 of Sukkur Barrage on an emergency basis. After the day-night efforts, the Engineers of the Irrigation Department rebuilt and maintained the Sukkur Barrage Pond level on June 26, 2024 – two days ahead of schedule. They also restored the supplies of water in Irrigation Canals off-taking from the Sukkur Barrage.
The chief minister appreciated the efforts and hard work of Minister Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, Secretary Irrigation Zarif Khero, and their engineering team. Minister Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro thanked the chief minister for his appreciation and mentioned that Sindh was saved from unimaginable financial loss and the resulting unrest. Secretary Irrigation informed the CM that Gate No. 44 had been fabricated and brought to Sukkur, placed in the Mechanical Workshop. Due to the flood season, replacing Gate No. 44 is considered risky and therefore halted. Deflection is being monitored, and since 20-06-2024, no increase in deflection of the gate has been observed.
Therefore, Mechanical Expert Mr. Jam Smith, CRBC & PIC, has suggested additional strengthening works on the gate to withstand the flood season temporarily, secure the gate, and prevent further structural movements. Additional C-Channels, H-Beams (Horizontal & Vertical), and Fish Plates have been attached. Corroded and damaged parts of the gates were repaired using advanced welding techniques. The CM was informed through a pictorial presentation. The CM was told that two gates were replaced and fabricated at Karachi Shipyard.
The logistics – materials, jumbo bags, shutters, machinery, and manpower were supplied, including labour, technical divers, and welders. M.S. plates, oxygen cylinders, cranes, and other items were procured for the construction of a Buddha along damaged Gate No. 47, activation of the second old caisson gate, stripping of old Gate No. 7 of Sukkur Barrage, required repair works on Gate No. 44, and strengthening of other gates – 24 to 59 of Sukkur Barrage on an emergent basis. The machinery for the caisson gate was engaged from the mechanical wing. Erection of the coffer dam and movement of the caisson gate at Sukkur barrage by Bahria Dredging Company Ltd (BDCL) was carried out. The CM was told that the emergent works cost Rs502 million. The Irrigation Department is already facing a deficit in the allocation as the allocated funds are much less than the requirement as per the yardstick.
