Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah conducted a visit to Sukkur Barrage to review the installation work of the barrage gates, as reported by the CM’s spokesperson. During the visit, CM Shah was briefed by Secretary Irrigation Zarif Khehro. The briefing provided a historical overview of the barrage, stating that its structure was completed in 1929. Gate number 31 was first damaged in December 1982, and all gates were replaced between 1987 and 1992. In June 2018, gate number 39 was damaged, prompting a study by ACE-NDC(JV).
Based on the study’s recommendations and considering the 2022 flood, six gates—numbers 39, 35, 34, 33, 31, and 40—are being replaced. A contract for their reconstruction was awarded to Shipyard Engineering Works Karachi. Additionally, a Chinese company, CRBC-HBSZ, has been contracted for 50 other gates.
The project includes inspection and refurbishment of the Sukkur Barrage’s floor, embankments, and canal system. The lifting mechanism of the gates is being upgraded from counterweight to motor-operated systems. On June 2, 2024, CRBC-HBSZ inspected the lower part of the floor while replacing gate number 36 on a pilot basis.
The upgrading of gates 44 and 47 is also part of the project to prevent further damage. Currently, water supply to all canals on both sides of Sukkur Barrage has been halted. Supply to Nara, Rohri, Khairpur East, Khairpur West, Northern Dadu, Rice, and NW Canal will be increased once the restoration of gates 44 and 47 is completed.
