Nara Canal

The Nara Canal is located in the Sukkur District, Sindh, Pakistan. ​It is Pakistan’s longest and one of its most significant irrigation channels.​ The canal originates from the left bank of the Indus River at the Sukkur Barrage. It is playing a crucial role in the agricultural landscape of Sindh province.

Oveview

The canal stretches approximately 226 miles (364 kilometers), making it the longest canal in the country. Originally designed to carry 13,602 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water, it often exceeds this capacity, discharging up to 14,145 cusecs. The canal plays a crucial role in supporting agriculture, irrigating around 2 million acres of land across several districts, including Khairpur, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, and Tharparkar.

Historical Background

Constructed in 1858–59, the Nara Canal was developed to channel water from the Indus River into the Nara River, an ancient riverbed that had become inactive due to reduced water flow. This engineering feat transformed the arid regions of Sindh into fertile agricultural lands.

Environmental Significance

The canal holds significant environmental importance, particularly through the Nara Game Reserve and the Nara Desert Wildlife Sanctuary.

Nara Game Reserve was established in 1981 within the Khairpur District. This reserve encompasses the canal and its associated wetlands, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife.

Nara Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Ghotki, Sukkur and Khairpur districts. This sanctuary spans 6,300 km² and is home to various species, including the endangered Mugger crocodile.

Agricultural Impact

The Nara Canal is instrumental in sustaining agriculture in Sindh. It supplies water to major left bank districts like Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, and Umerkot. These regions are known for cultivating crops such as cotton, wheat, sugarcane, and mangoes.