List of 10 Important Dams in Pakistan
As of 2021 stats, the total hydropower generation capacity of Pakistan is approximately 9,487 MW. This capacity is generated by various hydroelectric power stations located across the country, including Tarbela Dam, Mangla Dam, Ghazi Barotha, Warsak Dam, and several others.
Hydropower is a significant source of electricity for Pakistan, and the country has been working on increasing its hydropower capacity in recent years through the construction of new dams, such as the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, and upgrades to existing facilities. Pakistan has several important dams that play a crucial role in its agricultural, industrial, and energy sectors. There are over 150 dams in Pakistan. Dams are very important in Pakistan since it is an agricultural nation and depends on water supply for both its existence and prosperity. Furthermore, dams are the perfect spot to hang out with family and friends due to their scenic beauty and recreational facilities. Here are is the list of some of the most important dams in Pakistan:
- Tarbela Dam: Located on the Indus River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Tarbela Dam is one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world. It has a storage capacity of 11.62 million acre-feet (MAF) and a power generation capacity of 3,478 megawatts (MW).
- Mangla Dam: Mangla Dam is also located on the Indus River in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It has a storage capacity of 7.4 MAF and a power generation capacity of 1,000 MW.
- Diamer-Bhasha Dam: Under construction on the Indus River in Gilgit-Baltistan, Diamer-Bhasha Dam will have a storage capacity of 8.1 MAF and a power generation capacity of 4,500 MW when completed. It is expected to be completed by 2028.
- Ghazi Barotha Dam: Located on the Indus River in Punjab, Ghazi Barotha Dam has a power generation capacity of 1,450 MW.
- Chashma Barrage: Chashma Barrage is located on the Indus River in Punjab and has a storage capacity of 0.093 MAF. It provides irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural areas.
- Warsak Dam: Located on the Kabul River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Warsak Dam has a power generation capacity of 243 MW.
- Mirani Dam: Mirani Dam is located in Balochistan and has a storage capacity of 300,000 acre-feet. It provides irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural areas.
- Hub Dam: Hub Dam is located in Balochistan and has a storage capacity of 857,000 acre-feet. It provides drinking water to the city of Karachi.
- Dasu Dam: Dasu Dam is a mega hydropower project under construction on the Indus River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Once completed, it is expected to have a power generation capacity of 4,320 MW, making it one of the largest hydropower projects in Pakistan.
- Bunji Dam: Bunji Dam is a proposed hydroelectric dam to be constructed on the Indus River in the Astore District of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan. The dam is expected to have a power generation capacity of 7,100 MW, which would make it one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world. The project is currently in the planning stages, and if constructed, it is expected to provide clean and renewable energy to the people of Pakistan and help meet the country’s growing demand for electricity. However, the project has faced some delays and challenges, including environmental and financial concerns.
These dams are vital to Pakistan’s development and help provide water, electricity, and irrigation to the people of the country.