Why is it necessary to have a Sukkur Barrage?

Rahmatullah Buriro

For the past several years, especially regarding the Sukkur Barrage, we have been writing and pointing out at various times that an alternative design for the Sukkur Barrage should be prepared to save the agricultural economy of Sindh and the rest of the country. The biggest tragedy of the provincial government and the federal government here is that if any damage occurs, then something will be done on an emergency basis, etc. The development department that is responsible for planning, planning, or saving the country or the Planning Commission, national goals, or provincial goals, seems to have stopped working or thinking. Since last year, the Sukkur Barrage has been particularly vulnerable to major damage. Billions of rupees have been approved for repairs and reinstallation of gates and have been received from international organizations. Their work is going on in phases, but the pace that should be there is not visible. This delay or negligence in work will be equal to a national loss. If we look at the structure, functionality, and benefits of the Sukkur Barrage, it seems like a duty to be concerned. The Sukkur Barrage is a model and this model is one of the wonders of the world. Here we discuss the construction background of the Sukkur Barrage and the benefits it has brought to agriculture, irrigation, and human settlement after its construction, and the importance of its structural structure. What are the importance and benefits? Sukkur Barrage is an important irrigation structure located in Sindh, Pakistan. Through which this barrage has an important role in improving the agriculture of Sindh. Here is a summary of the important points. History of Sukkur Barrage Construction and Functions, Sukkur Barrage was built between 1923 and 1932. Sukkur Barrage was built to control floods and provide irrigation water to the fertile plains of Sindh. The barrage has 66 spans/gates, each 66 feet wide and 5,023 feet long. Land reclamation and irrigation system, Sukkur Barrage is receiving water from seven major canals. Which irrigate a vast area of ​​land. The canals originating from Sukkur Barrage provide water to millions of acres of agricultural land, making Sindh one of the most fertile regions of Pakistan. The areas surrounding the barrage It has played a significant role in the settlement and development of Pakistan, supporting the employment of millions of people. The Sukkur Barrage is an engineering marvel and an important component of Pakistan’s irrigation system. Its construction has had a profound impact on the agriculture, economy, and population of the region. The importance of the Sukkur Barrage in the establishment of its irrigation system is also of historical significance.
The improvement in Sindh’s agricultural economy due to the Sukkur Barrage also plays a major role.
Modern projects like Sukkur Barrage involve the use of modern technology and expert skills. For the past few days, news has been circulating in social and print media that the Sukkur Barrage will not be able to withstand the pressure of monsoon rains. Due to this water flow pressure, the Sukkur Barrage may suffer major and sudden damage on an emergency basis. The work done on the gates in the barrage and the work being done on some gates may be affected. It is possible that the foundation of the barrage may also weaken or collapse due to this pressure. The possibility of this pressure cannot be ruled out. The news spread very quickly on social media the other day that Gate No. 43 of the Sukkur Barrage has shifted due to the pressure of the water flow. The company working on changing the gates of the barrage has started working day and night to construct a Kafir Dam in front of Gate No. 43 upstream of the Sukkur Barrage on an emergency basis. In this regard, Zahid Mughal, Executive Director of Sukkur Barrage, said that in the first phase, a Chinese company has been sent to Sukkur for changing the gates. A Kafar Dam was constructed upstream of the barrage from Gate No. 43 to Gate No. 59 and 16 gates were replaced. According to the current situation, a Chinese company has come into action to fix the problems faced by Gate No. 43. He said that due to the potential flood flows, it has been decided to close Gate No. 43 upstream. However, according to the schedule, the affected gate will also be replaced in Phase 2 of the gate replacement from the month of October. With the spread of this news, concerns are growing that the careless administration and irresponsible project management are not ready to share any news with the public or through the media. But if any media person asks for any information from them, they do not give it. But in the world and according to their own principles and constitution, they are responsible to make public information about any work that serves government and public purposes. When we look at all these shortcomings, irresponsibility and national losses in the past, we feel sad and distressed. Keeping this in mind, it is said that it would be better if the central government, Planning Commission, Provincial Development Department, Irrigation Department officials, Chief Minister Sindh and the national political and parliamentary leadership also pay special attention to this work that serves national purposes and work for national purposes. Otherwise, this barrage model will take at least 20 years in these conditions.