Discovering dams

list of dams in pakistan

Discovering Pakistan’s Remarkable Dams: A Comprehensive Guide

Discovering Pakistan’s Remarkable Dams: A Comprehensive Guide 980 551 D. I. Khan New City

Pakistan, a land of breathtaking landscapes and abundant natural resources, boasts around 150 dams across its provinces. These engineering marvels not only serve as vital sources of electricity and water supply but also offer scenic getaways for locals and tourists alike.

Tarbela Dam

Location: Haripur

Impounds: Indus River

Height: 143.26 meters (470.0 feet)

Year of Completion: 1974

 

Situated near Swabi, Tarbela Dam stands as the world’s largest earth-filled dam. Constructed on the mighty Indus River, it was designed primarily for irrigation and power generation. With its impressive storage capacity and 17 dedicated water turbines, Tarbela contributes significantly to Pakistan’s hydroelectric power supply.

Tarbela Dam in pakistan

Rawal Dam

Location: Islamabad Capital Territory

Impounds: Korang River

Height: 40.7 meters (133.5 feet)

Year of Completion: 1962

 

Rawal Dam, nestled in the heart of Islamabad, serves as a vital water source for the twin cities. Beyond its functional role, it has emerged as a popular recreational spot, offering activities such as boating and fishing, making it a favorite destination for locals and tourists.

Rawal Dam

Diamer Bhasha Dam

Location: Gilgit Baltistan

Impounds: Indus River

Height: 272 meters (892 feet)

Status: Under Construction

 

Currently under construction, Diamer Bhasha Dam is poised to become the world’s highest dam upon completion. With its ambitious power generation capacity and vast water storage capabilities, it holds immense potential to bolster Pakistan’s energy and agricultural sectors.

Diamer Bhasha Dam

Mangla Dam

Location: Mirpur District

Impounds: Jhelum River

Height: 138 meters (453 feet)

Year of Completion: 1967

 

Mangla Dam, a key player in the Indus Waters Treaty, stands as a testament to Pakistan’s engineering prowess. Originally built for irrigation and power generation, it continues to support regional agriculture and provide electricity to nearby areas.

Mangla Dam

Khanpur Dam

Location: Haripur

Impounds: Haro River

Height: 51 meters (167 feet)

Year of Completion: 1985

 

Built to supply drinking water to Islamabad and surrounding regions, Khanpur Dam has evolved into a popular tourist destination. Visitors flock to its picturesque surroundings for activities like cliff jumping and camping, making it an ideal getaway spot.

Khanpur Dam

Hub Dam

Location: Karachi district, Sindh

Impounds: Hub River

Year of Completion: 1981

 

Hub Dam, nestled between Sindh and Balochistan provinces, serves as a vital water reservoir for the region. Its tranquil surroundings attract visitors seeking relaxation and outdoor adventures, making it a favored destination for weekend getaways.

hub dam

Mirani Dam

Location: Kech district, Balochistan

Impounds: Dasht River

Height: 39 meters (127 feet)

Year of Completion: 2006

 

Commissioned to provide water for Gwadar city and surrounding areas, Mirani Dam plays a crucial role in agricultural development and water supply management. Its strategic location ensures a steady flow of clean drinking water to nearby towns throughout the year.

Mirani Dam

Warsak Dam

Location: Peshawar

Impounds: Kabul River

Year of Completion: 1960

 

A collaborative effort between Pakistan and Canada, Warsak Dam continues to be a vital source of hydroelectric power for the region. Plans for its rehabilitation and capacity expansion underscore its enduring importance in meeting Pakistan’s energy needs.

Warsak Dam

Gomal Zam Dam

Location: South Waziristan Agency, KPK

Impounds: Gomal River

Height: 133 meters (437 feet)

Year of Completion: 2011

 

Gomal Zam Dam, a significant milestone in Pakistan’s water management efforts, serves multiple purposes including irrigation, flood control, and power generation. Its construction represents a step towards sustainable development and economic growth in the region.

Gomal Zam Dam

Satpara Dam

Location: Skardu

Impounds: Satpara Stream

Height: 128 feet

Year of Completion: 2011

 

Satpara Dam, nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan, serves as a lifeline for local communities by providing electricity, irrigation, and drinking water. Its efficient design and sustainable practices highlight its role in promoting environmental stewardship.

Satpara Dam

Neelum Jhelum Dam

Location: Azad Kashmir

Year of Operation: 2018

Capacity: 1040MW

 

The Neelum-Jhelum Dam harnesses water from the Neelum River, diverting it towards the Jhelum River. Operating since 2018, it has become a significant source of hydroelectric power in Azad Kashmir.

Neelum Jhelum Dam

Sabakzai Dam

Location: Balochistan

Year of Completion: 2007

Situated on the Zhob River in Balochistan, the Sabakzai Dam plays a crucial role in irrigating local lands since its completion in 2007. Inaugurated by Gen. Pervez Musharaf, it has also become a popular tourist destination.

Sabakzai Dam

Darawat Dam

Location: Jamshoro District, Sindh Province

Year of Inauguration: 2013

Storage Capacity: 150 million cubic meters

 

Constructed on the Nai Bran River, Darawat Dam significantly contributes to local irrigation needs. Inaugurated in 2013, it has also emerged as a picnic spot for residents of Hyderabad and Karachi.

Darawat Dam in pakistan

Namal Dam

Location: Namal Valley, Mianwali, Punjab

Year of Construction: 1913

 

The Namal Dam, constructed by British engineers in 1913, continues to provide effective irrigation to the surrounding agricultural plains. Despite its age, it remains functional and has become a habitat for migratory birds.

Namal Dam in pakistan

Gulpur Dam

Location: Poonch River near Gulpur

Year of Operation: February 2020

Capacity: 100MW

Operational since February 2020, the Gulpur Dam generates 100 MW of electricity. Constructed through a contract between Wapda and KOSEP, it plays a vital role in meeting the energy demands between Lahore and Islamabad.

Gulpur Dam

From the towering heights of Tarbela to the tranquil shores of Satpara, Pakistan’s dams stand as enduring symbols of resilience and progress. As the nation continues to harness the power of its water resources, these engineering marvels pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.

 

For more insights on Pakistan’s dams and water management initiatives, stay tuned for our upcoming articles.