Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed officials to ensure uninterrupted water supply to Karachi and Hyderabad during the forthcoming closure of canals and the Kotri Barrage, ordering advance arrangements before the shutdown begins.

The chief minister chaired a meeting at the CM House on Monday, 9 November, to review progress on the KB Feeder CC lining works, the water storage position at Keenjhar Lake and the feasibility of the Kotri Barrage.

He said the provincial government had been pursuing a series of measures to improve Karachi's water supply by reducing losses in the canal system, enhancing water conveyance efficiency and strengthening supply arrangements under the K-IV project.

Canal lining to save water for Karachi

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 irrigation minister and secretary briefed the meeting on progress in the lining works, the anticipated water savings through improved conveyance efficiency, and the current storage and availability position of Keenjhar Lake.

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

The chief minister stressed that improving Karachi's water supply required not only expanding infrastructure but also making better use of the water already available. He said 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," Murad said.

Keenjhar Lake storage under close watch

Discussing Keenjhar Lake, the chief minister emphasised the need for continuous monitoring of its storage and available water resources. He directed the irrigation department and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) 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 water supply to Karachi and Hyderabad during the forthcoming canal and Kotri Barrage closure. The chief minister directed the irrigation department and KWSC to jointly assess the requirements of both cities, prepare advance arrangements and ensure timely communication between the agencies concerned 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 said.

Kotri Barrage feasibility discussed

The feasibility report of the Kotri Barrage also came under discussion. The chief minister 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 relevant authorities to closely monitor progress in 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," Murad said.

The meeting was attended by Planning and Development and Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Planning and Development Board Chairman Najam Shah, Irrigation Secretary Zarif Khero, KWSC Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, Sindh Peoples Housing Foundation Chief Executive Officer Khalid Mehmood and other senior officials.