INTRODUCTION : Sindh Province, located in Pakistan, plays a critical role as the drainage line for the entire country due to its flat topography. However, the region faces significant challenges related to water-logging and salinity, which adversely affect agricultural lands and crop yields.
To address the twin problems of water-logging and salinity, the Federal Government initiated the construction of SCARP Projects (Salinity Control and Reclamation Projects) through the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). Once these projects are completed, they are handed over to the Irrigation Department for ongoing operation and maintenance.
Types : The SCARP Projects utilize various drainage arrangements to combat water-logging and salinity effectively. There are mainly three types of drainage arrangements employed:
By utilizing these three types of drainage arrangements (tubewells, surface drains, and pumping stations), the SCARP Projects aim to control water-logging and reclaim salt-affected lands in Sindh Province, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Objective : SCARP (Salinity Control and Reclamation Projects) is a type of irrigation project aimed at addressing salinity and water-related issues in agricultural lands. The main objectives of SCARP projects can be summarized as follows: