The Sindh Irrigation Department released 806 cusecs downstream Kotri Barrage after about eight months to provide fresh drinking water and save the ecosystem of Indus delta. The Indus River System Authority provided 1.47,000 cusecs water to the Guddu barrage out which 107200 cusecs water was released downstream for Sukkur and Kotri barrages.
For first time this summer thirsty Kotri dam poured into its belly 34871 cusecs water that would help recharge underground sweat water in the area. It may be added that large quantity water releases downstream Kotri barrage provide "Sailaba" (flood) irrigation water to an area of 0.3 million acres and keep the 280 kilometre Indus River reach from the Kotri Barrage to the Arabian sea alive.
In the past when fresh water was available round the year the Indus delta supported livestock and a plethora of marine species known as palla fish, marine dolphins etc. However, very little water has been coming down the Kotri Barrage from the river Indus during past decade.
Comments
Comments are closed.