Sindh Ministers Visit Sukkur Barrage to Review Flood Preparedness

Staff Reporter

Karachi: Sindh Minister for Energy and member of the Flood Committee formed by the Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, visited Sukkur Barrage on Thursday to review the possible flood situation in the Indus River. He was accompanied by Sindh Minister for Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, where both received a detailed briefing on the rising water levels.

Speaking on the occasion, Nasir Hussain Shah said that he will continue his inspection tour to Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Nawabshah, Matiari, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, and other coastal areas. The purpose is to examine river embankments, protective measures, and flood alerts, after which a comprehensive report will be prepared for immediate action.

Jam Khan Shoro highlighted that floods have caused devastation in Punjab, and the situation is gradually moving towards Sindh. However, he assured that the Sindh Government is fully alert and monitoring developments closely. He noted that Sukkur Barrage has the capacity to discharge 960,000 cusecs of water, while its protective embankments remain strong. He added that “there is no threat to the barrage structure, as Chinese experts have already replaced its gates.”

The Irrigation Minister also mentioned that while people in the katcha (riverine) areas are reluctant to evacuate, the district administration has set up relief camp preparations to provide immediate support if necessary.

Nasir Hussain Shah informed that the Chief Minister of Sindh has already chaired a high-level meeting on the flood situation, with provincial ministers and local landlords also monitoring conditions. He said:

• “The situation in Punjab is distressing, and we pray for relief there. Sindh’s situation is currently under control, and we are satisfied. As a precautionary measure, advance arrangements are being made to ensure timely response in case of emergency.”