950811

Indus in

very high flood

at Kotri

HAFEEZ SHAIKH

HYDERABAD: With the increase of about 50,000 cusec in the level of water during the last 24 hours, river Indus is flowing in very high flood at the Kotri barrage.

However, at Guddu and Sukkur barrages, a decrease of over 80700 and 73380 cusec was recorded respectively during the same period.

The total discharge of water at Kotri barrage at 6 pm on Friday was recorded at 657239 cusec up-stream and 628701 down-stream.

The district administration claimed to have made elaborate arrangements to meet any eventuality. The officials of Irrigation department told Business Recorder that necessary material including stones, sand bags and wood had been dumped in sufficient quantity at various points of protective bunds to take timely action to check any erosion.

Meanwhile, Sindh Irrigation Minister Haji Zafar Ali Laghari paid surprise visit to front line protective bunds of Kotri barrage, Hyderabad Thursday night and checked the performance of officers and staff deployed on the bunds. The minister took serious notice of negligent staff and ordered deduction of 15 days salary from their monthly pay.

The minister for Irrigation directed the chief engineer Kotri barrage Haji Shams Memon to ensure that the staff and officers kept permanent watch on the barrage and protective bunds. He warned that delinquent officers will be suspended and dealt with strictly.