Sukkur Barrage: The Foundation Stone Laid on October 24, 1923
Introduction
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| Sukkur Barrage, Lloyd Barrage, foundation stone 1923 |
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| Sir George Ambrose Lloyd |
On October 24, 1923, Sir George Ambrose Lloyd, the Governor of Bombay, laid the foundation stone for the Sukkur Barrage, originally named Lloyd Barrage, marking a transformative moment in Sindh’s agricultural history. This iconic structure, later renamed Sukkur Barrage, revolutionized irrigation in Pakistan’s Sindh province, turning arid lands into fertile fields. The foundation stone plaque, proudly displayed at the barrage, stands as a testament to this engineering marvel. This article explores the historical significance of the event, the barrage’s impact, and its enduring legacy, highlighted by recent cultural celebrations.
The Historic Foundation Stone Ceremony
On October 24, 1923, Sir George Ambrose Lloyd laid the foundation stone for the Sukkur Barrage at its current site, 5 km below the Sukkur Gorge. The event, attended by British officials and local dignitaries, marked the start of a project conceived in 1868 by Lieutenant Colonel C.A. Fife to harness the Indus River’s waters. The plaque commemorating this moment, inscribed with details of the ceremony, remains a focal point for visitors at the Lloyd Barrage Museum.
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| Arnold Albert Musto |
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| Lord Willingdon |
The barrage’s construction, approved by the Secretary of State for India in 1923, began on July 1 under Chief Engineer Sir Charlton Harrison and architect Sir Arnold Musto. Completed in 1931 and inaugurated on January 13, 1932, by Viceroy Lord Willingdon, the project cost 20 crore rupees, an investment that paid off through enhanced agricultural yields.
Engineering and Agricultural Impact
The Sukkur Barrage, stretching 4,925 feet with 66 gates, feeds seven canals totaling 9,923 km, irrigating 7.63 million acres 25% of Pakistan’s canal-irrigated land. Key canals include:
- Left Bank: Nara Canal (525 miles, irrigating 2.3 million acres), Rohri Canal (2.6 million acres), Khairpur East, and Khairpur West.
- Right Bank: Dadu Canal, Rice Canal (seasonal), and Northwest Canal (partially irrigating Balochistan).
Before the barrage, Sindh’s agriculture relied on the Indus’s erratic flows, limited groundwater (5.3 MAF), and sparse rainfall (100–200 mm annually). Most water flowed unused into the Arabian Sea, leaving fields dependent on seasonal floods or wells. The barrage’s construction, involving 46 English excavators moving 74 tons of earth per minute and a railway for stone transport from Rohri’s hills, ensured consistent irrigation, boosting crops like cotton, wheat, and sugarcane. Today, it supports 23% of Pakistan’s $13 billion agricultural output.
Challenges and Modernization
The barrage has faced challenges, including gate collapses (e.g., Gate 47 in June 2024) and silt accumulation reducing its flood capacity from 1.5 million to 0.9 million cusecs. Repairs in 1949–1952, 2004–2005 by the Frontier Works Organisation, and ongoing modernization under the World Bank-funded Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP) have extended its lifespan. The SBIP, launched in 2022, aims to replace all 66 gates by 2025, enhancing resilience against climate-driven floods.
Cultural Significance and Recent Celebrations
The Sukkur Barrage remains a cultural landmark, as seen in its illumination on December 1, 2024, for Sindhi Cultural Day, showcasing traditional patterns. Local reports also suggest a celebration of UAE National Day, reflecting Pakistan-UAE ties, though unverified. The Lloyd Barrage Museum, near Barrage Road, displays the foundation stone plaque alongside construction artifacts, drawing visitors to Sukkur’s heritage.
Conclusion
The laying of the Sukkur Barrage’s foundation stone on October 24, 1923, by Sir George Lloyd marked the dawn of Sindh’s agricultural prosperity. From its engineering triumphs to its role in cultural celebrations, the barrage remains Sindh’s lifeline, irrigating 8 million acres and sustaining communities. As modernization efforts continue, the foundation stone plaque stands as a symbol of resilience and progress, uniting history and modernity.
Reference Links:
- Beautiful Night View of Sukkur Lloyd Barrage: A Spectacle of Celebration.
- Sukkur Barrage Gate Collapse Shocks Officials
- Wikipedia: Sukkur Barrage
- Sudden Collapse of Sukkur Barrage Gate Stuns Officials
- Book: “Building the Empire, Building the Nation” by Daniel Haines, for historical context of British irrigation projects
