Summary: Karachi water crisis is being tackled through the Kalri Baghar (KB) Feeder lining project, aiming for 75-80% completion by conserving 500-550 cusecs. However, experts stress that expanding Keenjhar Lake is imperative for the city’s long-term water security given its rapid population growth.
Fixing Karachi’s water crisis is a pressing concern, with significant efforts underway to address the city’s growing demand. One key initiative is the Kalri Baghar (KB) Feeder Upper lining project, which has achieved 30 percent progress. Work is set to resume on December 20th during an extended 25-day annual closure of Kotri Barrage, specifically for the KB Feeder.
Addressing Water Scarcity with Lining Works
This critical lining work, vital for enhancing water supply, aims to bring overall physical progress to 75–80 percent completion this year. Project Director Ghulam Mohiuddin confirmed these targets. The project’s revised cost stands at approximately Rs50 billion, jointly funded by the federal and Sindh governments. SindhNews.com reports that this phase of the lining initiative is expected to conserve 500-550 cusecs of water for Karachi.
Further phases include lining the Pinyari and New Phulelli canals, projected to save an additional 700 cusecs, bringing total conservation to 1,200 cusecs. While these efforts offer relief, experts like retired Chief Engineer Haji Khan Jamali emphasize that permanent resolution for fixing Karachi’s water crisis requires an expansion of Keenjhar Lake. He asserted, “The lake must have a backup support system for meeting 2,400 cusecs of dependable water supplies to Karachi.”
The proposed Keenjhar Lake extension, estimated at Rs170 billion, is crucial given Karachi’s projected population of 33 million by 2050. Without augmentation, the lake’s sustainability is threatened. These combined efforts are essential to secure a reliable water future for the metropolis.