DADU: Installation of sheet piles to strengthen aqueducts and control seepage in order to ensure a smooth and desired flow of water in the Johi and Khairpur Nathan Shah channels is nearing completion.

Irrigation authorities expect normal supply of water to the two talukas to be started by December 25 to irrigate around 125,000 acres on a test-run basis and, if successful, this could be a permanent solution to the persisting shortage in the area.

The sheet piles methodology is usually adopted in controlling damage to barrage installations due to water pressure. This methodology has now been adopted for the purpose of protecting Johi branch aqueduct.

Execution of the scheme had been started by experts of the Sindh irrigation department with the assistance of World Bank and the Sindh Flood Rehabilitation Emergency Project (SFREP). Lately, experts from Taunsa Barrage also visited the site and shared their opinions.

Dadu’s two talukas to start getting adequate water from 25th, says chief engineer of Sukkur Barrage’s right bank

The scheme is being executed by recently posted Chief Engineer (Right Bank), Sukkur Barrage, Sohail Hameed Baloch. He has established a camp at Johi Branch to oversee the work. Heavy machinery is being used to install the sheets.

“The sheet piles methodology has been adopted to strengthen the old structure of Johi branch aqueduct and also to control seepage and erosion,” said Mr Baloch while speaking to Dawn.

The old structure at RD 77 near Dadu was damaged on November 12, 2022 and again on December 6, 2022 due to heavy water pressure caused by unprecedented rains and flood.

“This methodology will also protect the system’s aqueduct in the face of disasters,” Mr Baloch said.

He pointed out that each of the sheets is 38.5 feet long and 2.5 feet wide. So far, 40 of the projected 65 sheets have already been installed at Kari Mori, he said.

“Water supply to around 125,000 acres in Johi and Khairpur Nathan Shah talukas would be released by December 25,” he said.

The chief engineer explained that restoration of the old structure of Johi branch aqueduct was started by the Sindh irrigation department whereas installation of the sheet piles under a new scheme was undertaken by the SFREP.

He said that until now 650 cusec flows used to be released into the Johi branch and with the completion of this scheme, the flows would increase to 1,250 cusec.

SFERP Additional Director Shakeel Ahmed said that the sheet piles scheme at Kari Mori was being executed as per the prescribed standards. Strict checks and balances were being maintained in the installation and construction work, he added. Experts from World Bank and the provincial irrigation department were closely monitoring the work, he pointed out.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2023