Sindh CM reviews supply of water in Karachi, Hyderabad

KARACHI, Nov 09 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah is pursuing a series of measures to improve Karachi’s water supply by reducing losses in the canal system, enhancing water conveyance efficiency and strengthening the supply arrangements under the K-IV project.

The lining of the KB Feeder CC is an important part of this strategy, as improved canal efficiency is expected to save valuable water and increase the quantity available for Karachi.

The CM on Monday reviewed progress on these works, the storage position of Keenjhar Lake and the feasibility of Kotri Barrage, while directing the relevant departments to ensure uninterrupted water supplies to Karachi and Hyderabad during the forthcoming canal and barrage closure.

The meeting, held at the CM House, was attended by Minister for Planning and Development and Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Chairman Planning and Development Board Najam Shah, Secretary Irrigation Zarif Khero, CEO Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, CEO Sindh Peoples Housing Foundation Khalid Mehmood and other senior officials.

Minister Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro and Secretary Irrigation Zarif Khero gave a detailed briefing on the progress of the K-IV-related KB Feeder CC lining works, the anticipated water savings through improved conveyance efficiency and the current storage and availability position of Keenjhar Lake. He also briefed the meeting on the feasibility report of Kotri Barrage and its significance for the province’s long-term water management and security.

The meeting reviewed how the KB Feeder CC lining works could contribute to reducing water losses and improving the efficiency of the conveyance system supplying the K-IV project. The participants also discussed the need to align the progress of these works with Karachi’s growing bulk water requirements.

The CM stressed that improving Karachi’s water supply required not only expanding infrastructure but also making better use of the water already available. He said that reducing losses during conveyance and improving the efficiency of the canal network were essential to ensuring that more water reached the city.

“Karachi’s water requirements are increasing, and we must take every possible measure to improve its supply. Saving water through better canal management and lining works is as important as developing new water infrastructure,” CM Murad Shah said.

Discussing Keenjhar Lake, the CM emphasised the need for continuous monitoring of its storage and available water resources. He directed the Irrigation Department and Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation to remain in close coordination and base their supply arrangements on an updated and realistic assessment of water availability.

The meeting also reviewed arrangements for maintaining supplies to Karachi and Hyderabad during the forthcoming canal and Kotri Barrage closure. The Chief Minister directed the Irrigation Department and KW&SC to jointly assess the requirements of both cities, prepare advance arrangements and ensure timely communication between the concerned agencies to avoid any disruption.

“Water supply to Karachi and Hyderabad must remain a priority. Citizens should not face avoidable hardship because of inadequate planning or coordination. All concerned departments must work together and ensure that the necessary arrangements are completed well before the closure period,” he directed.

The feasibility report of Kotri Barrage also came under discussion. The CM emphasised that decisions concerning major water infrastructure should be based on sound technical assessments, long-term sustainability and the water requirements of the province. He called for a coordinated approach to strengthen water security while minimising any impact on urban supplies.

He further directed the concerned authorities to closely monitor progress on the KB Feeder CC lining works and ensure that the anticipated water savings were properly assessed and factored into future supply planning for Karachi.

“Every drop of water is valuable. We must conserve it, minimise losses and improve the efficiency of our irrigation and water supply systems. Our objective is to ensure that the people of Karachi receive a more reliable and sustainable water supply,” the CM said.

Reaffirming the Sindh government’s commitment to improving urban water services, CM Murad Shah said that the government would continue to invest in water infrastructure, improve the efficiency of existing systems and strengthen coordination between the Irrigation Department and urban water utilities.

He said that the government was focused on addressing immediate supply challenges as well as developing sustainable arrangements to meet the growing water needs of Karachi and Hyderabad.

The CM directed all concerned departments to remain vigilant, maintain close coordination and take timely measures to ensure that the forthcoming closure did not disrupt water supplies to the two cities.