Corrupt elements held responsible for Sukkur Barrage damage
Published on: June 23, 2024.
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GDA and PTI Accuse PPP of Corruption in Sukkur Barrage Gate Collapse
The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) have raised concerns over the collapse and damage of two gates in the Sukkur Barrage. Both political parties claim that this incident reflects the presence of massive corruption within the irrigation department, as well as other provincial departments.
The gate number 47 of the Sukkur Barrage suddenly collapsed during the night between Thursday and Friday, while the gate number 44 was heavily damaged. The GDA and PTI have criticized the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for allegedly misusing billions of rupees allocated for the development and maintenance of major and minor installations.
Sardar Abdul Rahim, the GDA Information Secretary, expressed concern over the suspension of irrigation water supply to several canals, including Nara, Rohri, Khairpur, and Rice canals, in the name of repair work after the incident. He highlighted that this action would adversely impact the cultivation of crops such as cotton, rice, and vegetables in the current season.
GDA leader, Sardar Rahim, emphasized that the incident demonstrates the lack of proper repair and maintenance of the Sukkur Barrage, despite receiving significant funds for this purpose every year. He demanded that a case be registered against those responsible for the incident and that they be arrested.
Haleem Adil Sheikh, the Sindh PTI President, also demanded a thorough investigation into the collapse and damage of the barrage gates. He accused corrupt officials from the irrigation department of being involved in the incident. Sheikh called for accountability and punishment for those found responsible.
Sheikh questioned how a 35-tonne gate could break due to low water pressure when it had previously withstood the pressure of 1.15 million cusecs during the super floods of 2010 and 2011. He highlighted the potential impact on eight million acres of agricultural land in Sindh.
The PTI leader criticized the allocation of billions of rupees for maintenance and repairs without substantial progress being made. He also criticized the Sindh government for its lack of planning regarding the replacement of the collapsed gate.
In response to the incident, an inquiry committee has been formed by the Sindh irrigation secretary. The committee will investigate the collapse of gate No. 47 and the damage to gate No. 44 of the Sukkur Barrage. The committee will examine the barrage’s operations, determine the causes of the damage, and submit a detailed technical report within five days.
Source: Dawn
