Sindh raises concerns over Khanki underpass

KARACHI: Sindh’s Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro has expressed serious concerns about the potential impact of opening the Khanki Underpass.

He said that doing so could lead to devastating floods in districts like Larkana, Qamber Shahdadkot, and Dadu, resulting in significant property damage and displacement of people.

During an online meeting chaired by the prime minister’s adviser, Rana Sanaullah, Shoro warned that the Khanki Underpass could cause massive flooding and widespread disruption. He also criticized Wapda for failing to implement decisions made in 2017 regarding the RBOD-I and RBOD-III projects, which are crucial for flood control.

The minister highlighted that floodwaters from Balochistan are still affecting Sindh’s border areas. In response, Rana Sanaullah suggested forming a joint committee between Sindh and Balochistan to address this issue. Shoro informed the meeting that such a committee was already established a few weeks ago. He further emphasized that the delay in completing Wapda’s projects has already caused damage to Manchar Lake, Asia’s largest lake. Wapda’s failure to strengthen the embankments of the MNV Drain has necessitated emergency flood-fighting measures by the Sindh Irrigation Department.

The meeting also discussed the implications of opening the Khanki Underpass for both Sindh and Balochistan. Secretary Zarif Iqbal Khehro, Chief Engineer Right Bank Mukhtiar Abro, and other officials were also present during the discussion.