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Sindh barrages to face 40pc shortfall in water flow
However, irrigation experts are of the view that the present shortage of water would be short-lived because monsoon and floods were round the corner. The shortfall of water is expected to be over within the next 15 days. - APP/File photo
SUKKUR: More than 40 per cent shortage of irrigation water would hit Guddu, Sukkur and Kotri barrages during next couple of days following drop in water level in the dams, sources disclosed on Wednesday.
The sources said quoting secretary of irrigation Sindh that more than 40 per cent shortage was expected at the three barrages in the upcoming days.
According to measurement taken at Guddu Barrage on Wednesday, water level at upstream was recorded at 11,7000 cusec and downstream at 95,000 cusec, thus registering a shortfall of 38 per cent.
At Sukkur Barrage, water level at upstream was 97,000 cusec, downstream at 40,000 cusec and the shortfall was 10 per cent, said the sources.
Off-taking canals of Sukkur Barrage were being supplied with 57,000 cusec of water while situation at Kotri Barrage was comparatively better where water level at upstream was recorded at 38,600 cusec and downstream at 600 cusec only. The sources said that water level at Guddu was on a constant decline and its three off-taking canals Beghari Feeder Canal, Pat Feeder Canal and Ghotki Feeder Canal were being supplied 21,000 cusec against an indent of 35,000 cusec, which would further be reduced during next couple of days.
The sources said that the secretary of irrigation had written a letter to the chief engineers, fearing water shortfall up to 40 per cent, and directed them to chalk out rotation programme for the off-taking canals.
The sources said that the impact of water shortage had already affected Guddu and Sukkur barrages but situation at Kotri was better due to ample release of water from Sukkur barrage.
The sources claimed that Tarbella Dam had reached its dead level of 1369.68 feet and inflows at the dam, recorded at 117,000 cusec on Tuesday, had increased to 126,000 cusec on Wednesday evening. At present, water was not stored in the dam and its inflow and outflow were the same, viz 126,000 cusec, the sources said.
Pond level at Mangla Dam was recorded at 1,164 feet, its inflow at 49,000 cusec and outflow at 65,000 cusec, the sources said and added that the situation was caused by less rains in the catchment areas and less ice melting due to fluctuation in mercury.
Temperature at Skardu rose to 28 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, kick-starting process of ice-melting. If monsoon set in during that period then the situation would become better, the sources said.
However, irrigation experts were of the view that the present shortage of water would prove short-lived because monsoon and floods were round the corner. They expected the shortfall of water would be over within next 15 days.
Experts said that at present the growers had started sowing paddy but it would not have any negative impact because it was still at very early stage.
DAWN:Thursday, 25 Jun, 2009
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