There is a fear that Taunsa Barrage's under construction structure may be damaged because the water level is rising gradually. Water level was also rising in the Chashma Barrage area to the range of 150,000 to 250,000 cusecs, and that was likely to impact structures south of the Chashma structure.
It may be mentioned here that the Taunsa structure was damaged on January 15, 2007 when its embankment caved in, causing material damage. The project of rehabilitation & restructuring of Taunsa Barrage has a total outlay of Rs 11.272 billion, with Rs 2.414 billion spent in 2005-06. In the current financial year, Rs 1.892 billion have been spent so far.
The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) has asked the Punjab irrigation department to take urgent and "appropriate measures" for the safety of the Taunsa project on the Indus, south of Chashma, currently undergoing the three-year rehabilitation programme. As per the available information, the letter sent on Wednesday to the irrigation department secretary, states that the river Indus inflow of 174,811 cusecs, recorded on Wednesday was expected to increase further.
It was also stated in the message to take measures, aimed at saving the structure, as well as the ongoing rehabilitation work on the site. Meanwhile, the inquiry reports on January 15, 2007 mishap is still awaited. Taunsa is one of the oldest barrages in Punjab canal network and has been prioritised as the one needing urgent rehabilitation work.