Sukkur Barrage
Sukkur Barrage is a significant irrigation structure on the Indus River, located near the city of Sukkur in Sindh, Pakistan. Built between 1923 and 1932 during the British Raj, it was originally named Lloyd Barrage in honor of Sir George Lloyd, the Governor of Bombay at the time. This remarkable engineering feat plays a crucial role in water management, irrigation, and flood control, making it one of the world’s largest irrigation networks.
History
The idea of constructing an irrigation barrage in Sindh was first proposed in 1868 by C.A. Fife. However, it wasn’t until 1923 that the project was officially sanctioned. Under the leadership of Sir Charlton Harrison and designed by Sir Arnold Musto, the Sukkur Barrage was completed in 1932. The project aimed to regulate the water supply to Sindh’s agricultural lands, replacing the unreliable inundation canals.
Old Name of Sukkur Barrage
Originally, the Sukkur Barrage was called the Lloyd Barrage. This name was given in recognition of Sir George Lloyd’s contributions. However, after Pakistan gained independence, the barrage was renamed Sukkur Barrage.
Structure and Functionality
Sukkur Barrage plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s agricultural economy by managing water distribution efficiently. The structure consists of 66 gates, each 60 feet (18 meters) wide, controlling the flow of the Indus River.
Key Specifications of Sukkur Barrage
Feature | Details |
Location | Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan |
Old Name | Lloyd Barrage |
Year of Completion | 1932 |
Number of Gates | 66 |
Gate Width | 60 feet (18 meters) |
Weight per Gate | 50 tons |
Original Discharge Capacity | 1.5 million cusecs |
Safe Handling Capacity | 0.9 million cusecs (after closure of 10 gates) |
Rehabilitation Work | Started in 2023, to last four years |
Location and Map
Sukkur Barrage is located approximately 500 km northeast of Karachi and 5 km below the Sukkur Railway Bridge. It is easily accessible from major Sindh cities.
Sukkur Barrage Gates
The 66 gates of Sukkur Barrage regulate water flow into seven canals that provide irrigation water to millions of acres of farmland. These canals extend from Sukkur to Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas, covering most of Sindh’s agricultural regions.
Canals of Sukkur Barrage
The Sukkur Barrage feeds seven canals, ensuring year-round irrigation for Sindh’s crops.
- Rohri Canal (Largest canal, irrigating 1.1 million hectares)
- Nara Canal (Longest canal, originating from an old river course)
- Khairpur Feeder East Canal
- Khairpur Feeder West Canal
- Dadu Canal
- Rice Canal (Seasonal, flows during Kharif season for rice cultivation)
- North Western Canal (Extends into Balochistan)
Sukkur Barrage Colony
Sukkur Barrage Colony is a well-developed residential and commercial area near the barrage. It is home to essential amenities such as Forum Inn, Al Madina Electronics, and Ehsan Bakers, making it a desirable living location for engineers and workers associated with the barrage.
Bridge
The Lansdowne Bridge and Ayub Bridge are two significant structures near Sukkur Barrage that connect Sukkur and Rohri. The Lansdowne Bridge, built in 1889, was the longest cantilever bridge of its time, while the Ayub Bridge, completed in 1962, carries railway traffic over the Indus River.
Rehabilitation and Modernization
To enhance its water regulation efficiency, the Government of Pakistan initiated a massive rehabilitation project in 2023. This four-year project involves replacing 56 gates with new mechanical gates, ensuring the barrage remains operational for decades.
FAQs
About Sukkur Barrage
1. How many gates does Sukkur Barrage have?
2. What is the old name of Sukkur Barrage?
3. What is the function of Sukkur Barrage?
4. Where is Sukkur Barrage located?
5. What is the largest canal of Sukkur Barrage?
Sukkur Barrage remains one of the most vital irrigation structures in Pakistan, ensuring the survival of agriculture in Sindh. From its historical origins as Lloyd Barrage to its modern rehabilitation efforts, it continues to be a pillar of Pakistan’s irrigation network. The barrage, its gates, and its supporting canals play a critical role in sustaining the livelihoods of millions of farmers in the region.