KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah is intensifying efforts to improve Karachi’s water supply by focusing on reducing losses in the canal system, enhancing water conveyance efficiency, and reinforcing supply arrangements under the K-IV project. The lining of the KB Feeder CC is a crucial component of this strategy, aiming to save water and increase the quantity available for Karachi. According to Chief Minister Sindh, Shah reviewed the progress of these initiatives, the storage status of Keenjhar Lake, and the feasibility of Kotri Barrage, directing departments to ensure uninterrupted water supplies to Karachi and Hyderabad during the upcoming canal and barrage closure.
Minister for Planning and Development and Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, along with Secretary Irrigation Zarif Khero, provided a detailed briefing on the K-IV-related KB Feeder CC lining works and the expected water savings through improved conveyance efficiency. The briefing also included the current storage and availability status of Keenjhar Lake and the significance of the Kotri Barrage feasibility report for long-term water management and security in the province.
The meeting highlighted the potential of the KB Feeder CC lining works in reducing water losses and improving the efficiency of the conveyance system supplying the K-IV project. Participants discussed the necessity of aligning these works with Karachi’s increasing bulk water requirements.
Chief Minister Shah emphasized the importance of not only expanding infrastructure but also optimizing the use of existing water resources. He highlighted the need for reducing conveyance losses and improving the efficiency of the canal network to ensure more water reaches Karachi.
Regarding Keenjhar Lake, Shah stressed the importance of continuous monitoring of its storage and available resources. He directed the Irrigation Department and Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation to coordinate closely and base their supply arrangements on updated assessments of water availability.
The meeting also reviewed measures to maintain water supplies to Karachi and Hyderabad during the forthcoming canal and Kotri Barrage closure. Shah directed the Irrigation Department and KW&SC to jointly assess the requirements of both cities and ensure timely communication between agencies to avoid any disruption.
The feasibility report of Kotri Barrage was also discussed, with Shah emphasizing the need for decisions on major water infrastructure to be based on technical assessments, sustainability, and provincial water requirements. He called for a coordinated approach to strengthen water security while minimizing urban supply impacts.
Shah reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to improving urban water services, pledging continued investment in water infrastructure, efficiency improvements, and strengthened coordination between the Irrigation Department and urban water utilities. He highlighted the importance of addressing immediate supply challenges and developing sustainable arrangements to meet the growing water needs of Karachi and Hyderabad.