List of Barrages in Pakistan
Barrages are one of the most important civil engineering works in Pakistan, closely linked to the country’s economic well-being and water resources. Throughout history, barrages have been pivotal as a source of irrigation and power that has helped boost food production and ensure sustainable living for millions of people.
While construction of many Barrages was started since 1947 by the Government of Pakistan, their impact is increasingly improving Pakistani agricultural productivity, livelihood security, generating hydropower from renewable sources among other benefits. Indeed the lifetime achievement achieved through such projects cannot be overstated as they provide immense benefit to population growth and development and ensure attainment of self-sufficiency in terms matters related to food supply. In this blog post we will take an in depth look at these structures; exploring how they work, what makes them so crucial to Pakistan infrastructure conserve its precious resource water.
Barrages in Pakistan
| Barrage Name | River | Completion of the year | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balloki Headworks | Ravi River | 1917 1966 (remodeling) | Approximately 1,647-foot-long |
| Sidhnai Headworks | River | N/A | Approximately 15 kilometers |
| Qadirabad Headworks | River | N/A | N/A |
| Chashma Barrage | Indus | 1971 | Approximately 1,084 m (3,556 ft) |
| Ghazi Brotha Barrage | Indus | 2004 | Approximately 51.90 km |
| Jinnah Barrage | Indus | 1946 | Approximately 1,152 m (3,780 ft) |
| Rasul Barrage | Jhelum | 1968 | Approximately 975 m (3,201 ft) |
| Taunsa Barrage | Indus | 1958 | Approximately 1,325 m (4,346 ft) |
| Trimmu Barrage | Chenab | 1939 | Approximately 922 m (3025 ft) |
| Guddu Barrage | Indus | 1962 | Approximately 1,355 m (4446 ft) |
| Kotri Barrage | Indus | 1955 | Approximately 1,600 m (5,200 ft) |
| Sukkur Barrage | Indus | 1932 | Approximately 2 km (1 mi) |
Pakistan is home to some of the world’s most impressive Barrages. These structures are some of the country’s largest construction projects, which control the flow of water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The Chashma Barrage spans the Indus River and was completed in 1971, measuring 1,084 meters in length. Another impressive example of a barrage is the Jinnah Barrage, also on the Indus, which was constructed in 1946 and spans 1,152 meters. The Sukkur Barrage is yet another landmark, measuring roughly 2 kilometers and was built in 1932. With so many grand structures spanning rivers throughout Pakistan, it’s no wonder these barrages are a source of national pride.
List of Barrages in Pakistan
Pakistan is home to several significant barrages that play a crucial role in water distribution for irrigation and power generation.
1.Ghazi-Barotha Barrage
The Ghazi-Barotha Barrage is a major source of energy in Pakistan, providing electricity to millions of people. In addition to its power generation capacity, the barrage provides flood protection and irrigation benefits for agricultural lands along the Indus River upstream from the dam. With its completion, about 140 km² (54 mi²) of land was made available for irrigation. The project has also provided improved navigation and transportation options for people living in the region, allowing them to travel more safely and economically from one place to another.
Furthermore, the barrage serves as a critical source of energy for companies and industries throughout Pakistan, powering essential operations that help drive the country’s economic growth. All these benefits have made Ghazi-Barotha Barrage one of the best barrage projects in Pakistan, and a model for similar undertakings across the country.
The project has seen numerous successes since its completion in 2004. In the first year of operation itself, it generated over 2,500 GWh of energy and provided direct benefits to 1.3 million people living in the region. Over the years, the barrage has continued to produce reliable and sustainable energy for millions of people while providing valuable services like flood protection, irrigation, navigation and transportation.
The success of the Ghazi-Barotha Barrage project is a testament to its efficient planning and design, as well as the concerted efforts of WAPDA and other stakeholders involved in its construction and maintenance. It serves as an example for future hydropower projects in Pakistan, showing what can be achieved with proper investments in infrastructure and technology. Going forward, it is hoped that more such projects will be implemented across the country, providing access to clean and renewable energy for every Pakistani citizen.
2.Sukkur Barrage
The Sukkur Barrage, a remarkable feat of engineering, is a significant part of Pakistan’s irrigation system. The colossal structure, constructed during the British Raj, demonstrates the advanced engineering skills of the time and continues to serve as an invaluable asset to the nation. Its impressive stretch, extending from the Sukkur district in the north to the Mirpurkhas/Tharparkar and Hyderabad districts in the south, ensures that nearly all parts of the province benefit from its services.
Situated just 5 kilometers below the Sukkur Gorge, known for the railway bridge, the barrage has significantly enhanced the water supply to the existing cultivated regions in Sindh. Its strategic location, roughly 500 kilometers northeast of Karachi, allows it to effectively tackle the irrigation needs of the province. Indeed, the Sukkur Barrage stands as a testament to the ingenuity of its creators and the enduring value of well-planned infrastructure.
3.Jinnah Barrage
Jinnah Barrage, a marvel of engineering and a lifeline for the arid regions of Pakistan, stands out among the country’s various barrages due to its strategic location near Kalabagh and its comprehensive role in the Thal Project. Encompassing an area of 770,000 hectares (1,900,000 acres) within the Sindh Sagar Doab, the barrage effortlessly diverts an average of 283 cubic metres per second (10,000 cubic feet per second) of water into the Thal Canal, significantly contributing to the agricultural prosperity of Bhakkar, Khushab, Layyah, Mianwali, and Muzaffargarh Districts.
The barrage, an impressive structure spanning 1,152 metres (3,780 feet) over the mighty Indus River, can manage a maximum flood height of 8.5 meters (28 feet), demonstrating its robust design and construction that dates back to the early 20th century. The barrage is more than a water distribution system; a hydroelectric power station with a capacity of 96 MW, composed of four 12 MW pit turbine generators, is integrated into the structure, highlighting its role in Pakistan’s renewable energy production.
The continuous improvements on the barrage, including the ongoing rehabilitation project which includes the construction of a downstream weir and the renovation of guide banks and railway bridges, underscore the barrage’s importance and its status as a significant asset to Pakistan’s infrastructure.
4.Chashma Barrage
The Chashma Barrage holds a significant position as one of the best barrages in Pakistan, due to its robust engineering, multifunctionality, and contribution to the country’s power production. It stands as a testament to international cooperation and innovation, reflecting in its construction by a French Consortium and the introduction of Fuji’s Kaplan-type bulb turbines in Pakistan. Beyond its industrial significance, the Barrage also contributes to the ecological environment, hosting a Ramsar site in its vicinity. The site, designated under the international Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, adds an environmental value to Chashma Barrage, further enhancing its importance.
As a major engineering achievement and a symbol of international cooperation, Chashma Barrage stands as one of the best barrages in Pakistan.
The longevity of the Barrage also speaks to its efficiency, with its power station having operated uninterruptedly for nearly two decades since 2001. This is highly commendable, especially given that the Barrage was originally completed back in 1971. The success of Chashma Barrage is a testament to the engineering and managerial skills involved in its design and continued maintenance, highlighting the importance of proper planning and execution for large-scale projects.
The multifunctional nature of the Barrage further underlines its significance. Apart from power production, it serves multiple purposes such as irrigation and flood control, providing many benefits to the local community. This is especially pertinent in the face of climate change and its associated consequences, where proper infrastructure such as barrages are essential for regulating water flow and minimizing the impact of flooding.
5.Rasul Barrage
In terms of its strategic location and operational effectiveness, the Rasul Barrage holds the title of the best barrage in Pakistan. With its prime position on the River Jehlum, straddling between Jhelum District and Mandi Bahauddin District in Punjab, the Rasul Barrage plays a pivotal role in the region’s irrigation and flood control. Since its construction in 1968, it has effectively utilised its discharge capacity of 24,070 cubic metres per second, impressively regulating water flow in the River Jhelum.
The successful diversion of water from the barrage to the Chenab River at Qadirabad through the Rasul-Qadirabad link canal, which boasts a notable discharge capacity of 538 m³/s, illustrates its robust performance. This water is then transferred to the Sulemanki Barrage on the Sutlej River, demonstrating the intricate network of water management in place. The Lower Jhelum Canal, originating from the Rasul Barrage, holds its own with a discharge capacity of 5280 cusecs, providing valuable irrigation for the Mandi Bahauddin and Sargodha districts and covering a cultivable command area of 1.45 million acres.
6.Kotri Barrage
As a crucial piece of Pakistan’s water infrastructure, the Kotri Barrage holds a unique position. One of the barrage’s most remarkable features is its discharge capacity of 24,800 cubic metres per second, which is vital in times of potential flooding. This substantial capacity ensures that excess water from the Indus River can be effectively and safely channeled away, mitigating the risk of catastrophic flood damage. In addition to this, each of its 44 bays is 18 meters wide, allowing for a significant amount of water to pass through.
The Kotri Barrage’s strategic location between Jamshoro and Hyderabad makes it an essential part of the region’s irrigation system. It directly feeds the Fulleli, Pinyari, and Kalri Baghar Canals, thus playing a pivotal role in maintaining the region’s agricultural activities. By controlling and moderating the flow of the Indus River, the barrage ensures a steady supply of water for crops, thus supporting the livelihoods of the local farming communities.
Inaugurated in 1955 by Ghulam Muhammad, from whom it gets its alternate name, the Kotri Barrage stands as a testament to the technological advancements of its time. Despite being constructed over six decades ago, it continues to function effectively, making it one of Pakistan’s most reliable and durable infrastructures. This combination of functionality, durability, and crucial role in flood control and irrigation makes the Kotri Barrage arguably the best barrage in Pakistan.
7.Taunsa Barrage
Constructed with the primary purpose of managing water flow in the Indus River, the Head Taunsa Barrage is a critical piece of infrastructure for the Punjab region. Its strategic location, about 20 km southeast of Taunsa Sharif and 16 km from Kot Addu, allows it to efficiently serve an expansive area of 2.351 million acres (951,400 hectares).
The barrage’s ability to divert flows from the Indus River to the Chenab River through the Taunsa-Panjnad Link Canal is instrumental in supporting not just irrigation and flood control, but also the transportation and utilities sectors. Recognized as a Ramsar site on 22 March 1996, the barrage accommodates utilities such as a road bridge, a railway bridge, pipelines, telephone lines, and transmission lines, effectively connecting communities and fostering socio-economic development.
The barrage has been instrumental in protecting the region from floods and supporting agricultural activities, as well as providing livelihood opportunities for local communities. However, it is important to note that its sustainability relies on effective maintenance and management of adjacent wetlands which are essential for fish reproduction and migration. Long-term regional planning initiatives should also incorporate climate change adaptation measures to prevent any potential damages caused by extreme weather events.
Additionally, the local community should also be consulted on decisions regarding the barrage and its operations to ensure that their rights are respected and their needs met. Overall, the Head Taunsa Barrage is a vital part of Punjab’s infrastructure that must be managed responsibly for people and nature alike.
8.Guddu Barrage
Guddu Barrage has been a massive success in regulating the flow of the Indus River and protecting both agricultural lands and settlements from flooding. It has also played an important role in improving navigation along the river, allowing boats to pass through its lock system. The barrage is considered to be one of the best irrigation systems in Pakistan, providing water for farmers in Sindh and Balochistan. It has also enabled the growth of industries in the region, including cotton spinning, rice milling, sugar refining, timber processing, vegetable oil pressing, and fish canning. The barrage is a major contributor to Pakistan’s economy and continues to benefit generations of people living near the River Indus.
Apart from Guddu Barrage’s water management and irrigation capabilities, the barrage also serves as a source of electricity generation. In 2006, it was upgraded to generate an additional 125 megawatts of power, which is supplied to Sindh and Balochistan. The project cost around 1 billion rupees and has been a major boon for both provinces in terms of energy supply. This has helped reduce energy shortages in these areas, allowing more people to access electricity.
With its various functions for managing water flow and supplying energy, Guddu Barrage has been an important asset in the development of Pakistan’s economy. The barrage is a testament to the country’s engineering prowess and has become an iconic symbol of progress and prosperity in the region. This unique structure is sure to continue providing benefits to Pakistan for generations to come.
9.Trimmu Barrage
The Trimmu Barrage is a vital link in the infrastructure of Punjab province and an essential component for water management. In addition to its traditional role in flood control and irrigation, it also plays a significant role in electricity generation. The barrage has three power houses, which generate about 7 MW of power each day. This energy production helps support the local economy as well as the region’s electrical grid.
In addition, it is used to provide irrigation water for some of Punjab’s major crops like wheat and cotton. The Trimmu Barrage has improved significantly over the years due to consistent maintenance and upgrades. Recently, a fish breeding project was initiated at the barrage which has helped improve its ecological value.
This new initiative has provided an additional source of income for the local community which depends on fishing for livelihood. It has also enhanced the biodiversity of the area, aiding in the conservation of fish species that inhabit the river. The barrage is an important asset to Pakistan and its people, providing both economic and environmental benefits. It serves as a reminder of how effective infrastructure management can have a positive impact on society. With proper care and maintenance, the Trimmu Barrage can continue to be a valuable resource for generations.
10.Balloki Headworks
The Balloki Headworks, an integral part of the Triple Canals project, is considered the best barrage in Pakistan due to its impressive scale and crucial role in water management. Established in the early 20th century, it was a monumental feat of engineering that facilitated the redirection of waters from two major rivers, the Chenab and the Ravi, to irrigate vast landscapes.
This innovative “link canal” concept led to significant improvements in irrigation and marked the foundation for future water treaties between nations. The Balloki Barrage, specifically, stood as the largest of its kind in India during that era, boasting a 1,647-foot-long weir equipped with thirty-five steel gates for effective water regulation. The associated Lower Bari Doab Canal project, which branched off from the barrage, proved to be a profitable investment, bringing irrigation to an abundant 877,000 acres of land in just a decade.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, barrages in Pakistan have had significant impacts on the country’s social and economic landscape. The project has provided employment opportunities to many citizens who have been unable to find other sources of income. It has also enabled them to access reliable sources of energy and foster advancements in medical, education, and communication facilities. However, the infrastructure associated with these systems can be problematic including water shortage, poverty levels rising in neighboring communities, and environmental degradation due to the introduction of large dams that block natural water.
Despite this, barrages are seen as a major source of opportunity for many Pakistanis and its potential should not be underestimated. Ultimately, continued implementation of strategic management plans will ensure that these infrastructure systems can continue to aid local citizens while protecting fragile ecological systems and their surrounding habitats from further destruction.
