Sukkur Barrage upgradation is underway with the cooperation of the World Bank, during which 60 gates of the barrage will be replaced, 17 gates have been replaced by June 2025 while the target of replacing 26 gates by June 2026 will be achieved.
Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro visited Sukkur Barrage today to monitor ongoing development works and receive a formal briefing from relevant authorities.
The Minister highlighted the important role of Sukkur Barrage, calling it a key point of Pakistan’s economy because it irrigates 90 percent of Sindh’s agricultural land.
Barrage modernization measures, which are ongoing with the help of the World Bank, include the replacement of sixty sluice gates.
By June 2025, seventeen gates had been replaced, with a target of replacing twenty-six gates by June 2026.
By the end of 2026, all forty-four main gates of Sukkur Barrage are expected to be completely renewed, with the replacement of pocket gates and other canal gates to be completed by next year.
Mr. Shoro assured that Sukkur Barrage will be made free from failure to prevent untoward incidents, after which its operational life can be extended by three decades after the upgrade.
The repair and renovation operations of the barrage are being carried out at a cost of seventeen billion rupees.
The Minister confirmed that comprehensive assistance is being provided to farmers to improve cultivation techniques with low water consumption.
He further emphasized that there is an undeniable impact of climate change and an essential need for modernization of existing infrastructure to meet current requirements.
Mr. Shoro stressed that Pakistan’s share in global carbon emissions is less than one percent, yet the nation is extraordinarily affected by climate changes.
He warned against severe consequences for any private individuals or organizations for unauthorized dumping of soil or earth from waterways.