SUKKUR: A World Bank (WB) mission visiting here has showed keen interest in restoration and rehabilitation of Sukkur Barrage which is the economic backbone of the country from where seven canals branch out with 1,629 outlets and minor canals supplying water to 70 per cent irrigation command area of Sindh, including Kotri Barrage.

The visit was aimed at observation for implementing rehabilitation of aging Sukkur and Guddu barrages and also habitat of endangered dolphin between Lansdowne Bridge to Sukkur Barrage.

According to irrigation department sources, a high-level WB mission comprised WB task team leader Mr Toru Konishi, WB water resources specialist Francois Onimus, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) consultant Ahmed Junaid Memon, MMI-Moot Macdonald UK’s chief resident engineer Mr Chris Hall.

The mission was briefed on implementing the Guddu Barrage Rehabilitation Project.

It appreciated working of the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project comprising replacement of 65 gates of main barrage and 25 gates of off-taking canals, including Ghotki Feeder, Begari Sindh Feeder and Pat Desert Feeder.

The WB has principally already approved the project and provides the financial assistance of $160 million for replacement of critical gates, dragging of the barrage pond area, including head reaches of the main canal.

The WB also supports the modernisation of the barrage with latest technology for efficient operation and management.

As part of the infrastructure development, the mission also took keen interest in preserving the marine wildlife, which is mainly indigenous fish as well as rare/endangered species of dolphin family, known as Indus blind dolphin.

It also visited the habitat of the blind dolphin located upstream of the barrages and witnessed the dolphin population while appreciating the management of the Sindh government for proper coordination and support.

The mission travelled on boat in Indus River from Lansdowne Bridge to Indus Dolphin Rescue Centre for observing Indus dolphin. They saw several dolphins and showed keen interest in implementation of the conservation and management plan for them. It received briefing from the Sindh wildlife department and assured their support for the preservation of dolphin.

It went to the biggest fish hatchery of the province located at Mando Dero near Rohri for the conservation and production of the indigenous fish species which help maintain the local ecosystem of riverine habitat.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2020