Pakistan’s largest irrigation structure, the Sukkur Barrage, has been temporarily closed as part of its scheduled annual maintenance program. The closure will remain in effect from January 6 to January 20, during which water supply through all off-taking canals will be suspended.
The temporary shutdown is a routine yet critical process aimed at ensuring the long-term safety and operational efficiency of the barrage, which plays a central role in Sindh’s agricultural irrigation network.
Complete Suspension of Canal Water Flow
During the 15-day closure, all seven canals originating from the Sukkur Barrage will remain non-operational. Authorities have opened the barrage gates to facilitate inspection, repair, cleaning, and painting activities.
This pause in water flow is planned in advance each year to allow engineers and maintenance teams uninterrupted access to the structure. Farmers and relevant stakeholders are typically informed ahead of time to manage irrigation schedules accordingly.
Major Upgrades Under Sindh Barrages Improvement Project
The maintenance work is being carried out under the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project, a large-scale initiative focused on rehabilitating key water infrastructure across the province.
Sindh’s Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro confirmed that 27 barrage gates are scheduled for replacement during the current phase of the project. These upgrades are intended to improve gate functionality, reduce mechanical risks, and enhance water flow control during peak seasons.
Structural Safety and Geophysical Assessments
Beyond gate replacement, the project includes detailed geophysical investigations of the barrage floor. These studies help assess structural stability and identify any potential weaknesses that could impact the barrage’s long-term performance.
Engineers are also conducting dredging operations upstream of the barrage. This process removes accumulated silt and sediment, improving water flow efficiency and reducing pressure on the structure during high discharge periods.
Coffer Dam Construction for Focused Repairs
As part of the renovation work, a Coffer Dam is being constructed between Gate 15 and Gate 22. This temporary structure allows specific sections of the barrage to be isolated, enabling safer and more precise repair work without affecting the entire system.
The use of a Coffer Dam is a standard engineering practice for large-scale water infrastructure projects, ensuring repairs can be completed efficiently while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Importance of Sukkur Barrage to Pakistan
The Sukkur Barrage is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s irrigation system and one of the most significant hydraulic structures in South Asia. It supplies water to millions of acres of agricultural land across Sindh, supporting crops that are vital to the national economy.
Given its scale and importance, regular maintenance is essential to prevent disruptions during critical agricultural seasons and to ensure consistent water distribution across canal networks.
Authorities have assured that the renovation work is progressing as scheduled. Water supply through the canals is expected to resume immediately after the completion of maintenance on January 20, subject to final safety checks.
