Sukkur Barrage, Pakistan’s largest irrigation system, is undergoing its annual maintenance and will be closed for 15 days from January 6 to January 20, 2025.
This closure affects all seven off-taking canals, as the barrage’s gates have been opened to facilitate necessary cleaning and repairs while water levels are lowered.
During this period, officials have warned that the city’s drinking water supply may be disrupted. Residents are advised to store sufficient water in advance, and local authorities are tasked with arranging alternative sources of water to mitigate the impact of the closure.
The Sukkur Barrage was inaugurated in 1932 by Lord Wellington, the British Viceroy of India. It features 66 gates and is crucial for regulating water flow in the River Indus, supporting irrigation and flood control essential for agriculture in the Sindh region.
Prior to the closure, Sindh’s Irrigation Minister, Jam Khan Shoro, met with Chinese engineers to discuss ongoing repairs, particularly focusing on Gate No. 44. The minister’s visit included a tour of development work at the barrage, highlighting its importance for regional agriculture and water management.