150 Dams in Pakistan World’s Largest Earth-Filled Tarbela!

Dams in Pakistan are the splashing topic of today’s blog. Let’s broach this thrilling yet debatable subject and explore interesting information. The South Asian country Pakistan is a land of wonders due to its abundant natural resources. From the plentiful rivers, golden mountains, and lake beauty to the calm deserts, lush forests, and hidden gems, nature unfurls from every inch of Pakistan. With an average lifespan of 100 years, dams are used for many purposes; 

  • Rainwater reservation
  • Lakes creation and public recreation including boating, fishing, swimming
  • Water supply to irrigate agricultural lands
  • Production of hydropower to meet the electricity needs of the country through organic resources
  • Flood control
  • Depth creation in rivers to help ships and barges navigate easily

Total Dams in Pakistan

Dams in Pakistan are one of the outcomes of nature’s work in progress. The total number of dams in Pakistan is 150  located in different provinces. Let’s dive deep into the list of Dams in Pakistan. 

Warsak Dam  Kabul River – 1960

Tarbela Dam  Indus River – 1976

Diamer Bhasha Dam Indus River – 2029

Mangla Dam  Jhelum River – 1967

Mirani Dam  Dasht River – 2006

Hub Dam  Hub River – 1979

Namal Dam Namal Lake – 1913

Rawal Dam  Korang River – 1962

Gomal Zam Dam Gomal River – 2011

Khanpur Dam  Haro River – 1985

Neelum–Jhelum Dam  Neelum River – 2018

Satpara Dam Satpara Stream – 2011

Darawat Dam Baran River – 2014

Sabakzai Dam  Zhob River – 2007

Tanda Dam KPK Kohat River – 1962

First Dam of Pakistan Warsak Dam

If you are thinking about which dam in Pakistan was funded by Canada, then it is the Warsak Dam. Built on the Kabul River in Peshawar, Warsak Dam was completed in 1960. It is solely developed as a water reservoir and also has a power-generating capacity of 240 Megawatts. Warsak Dam is also known as the smallest dam in Pakistan 

Biggest Dam in Pakistan Tarbela Dam

Dams in Pakistan

Tarbela Dam is not only one of the largest dams of Pakistan but the world’s largest earth and rock-filled dam. Tarbela Dam is located in the Abbottabad district KPK, with a 37 square kilometers area, 14,2000,000 volume, and a 4500-megawatt capacity. Tarbela Dam was formed after the Indus Treaty between India and Pakistan and was completed in 1976. 

Second Largest Dam in Pakistan Mangla Dam

Completed in 1967 in Mirpur District AJK, Mangla Dam was the outcome of the Indus Water Treaty. Mangal Dam has historical significance for being the first water reservoir to irrigate crops and fortify the country’s agricultural resources.    

Most Expensive Dam in Pakistan – Diamer Bhasha Dam

Dams in Pakistan

Diamer Bhasha is bulleted as Pakistan’s most expensive hydro project and the whole world has an eye over it, especially Asia. It is a hydroelectric dam developed on the Indus River in Diamer District Gilgit Baltistan. With an operational cost of $14 billion, this dam in Pakistan will mitigate the energy crisis, stop floods, and develop a greater water storage capacity. Its structures include the formation of the reservoir and two underground powerhouses.

Diamer Bhasha has created job opportunities for the locals as more than 7000 workers are currently working on this mega project which is expected to be completed in 2029, if continued uninterrupted. One of the latest dams in Pakistan will be the world’s highest RCC (Roller-compacted concrete) Dam on completion 

Rawal Dam

Rawal Dam is one of the important dams over the River Korang in Islamabad. Rawal Lake is the by-product of Rawal Dam and it has become a favorite picnic spot for residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. 39 treatment plants are installed around Rawal Dam, as it is a pivotal water source for the twin cities. The Punjab govt uses 26 million gallons of water from Rawal Dam and fulfills the city’s water needs. 

Hub Dam – Source of Drinking Water for Karachi 

Researchers and students are generally curious to know which dam provides drinking water to Karachi, the answer is the Hub Dam. Hub Dam is also the third largest dam in Pakistan, impounded on the Hub River and situated on the border of Sindh and Balochistan. 

Khanpur Dam

Khanpur Dam provides drinking water to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. It was impounded over the Haro River in 1983 in District Haripur KPK. The construction of this water reservoir resulted in the creation of Khanpur Lake which is today one of the favorite tourist sites for local and foreign travelers. You can enjoy water sports activities and also embrace the centuries-old architectural landmarks in the nearby area. 

Dharabi Dam

Dharabi Dam is located in the Chakwal District of Punjab in the village of Dharab. It is built on the Soan River tributary and has also created the Dharabi Lake which is now a popular tourism spot in the Chakwal. Tourists who are passionate about exploring historical sites like Takht-e-Babri of Mughal Emperor Babar or Kartas Raj Temple, also visit Dharabi Lake and enjoy water sports activities. Explore here: The Hidden Gem Dharabi Lake of Chakwal and picnic spots. 

Latest Dams of Pakistan
Dams in Pakistan

Pakistan faces a dire need for water reservoirs and also has to shift to renewable sources for power generation. Dams can help produce hydroelectricity therefore the government of Pakistan focuses on building more dams. The list of the latest dams of Pakistan includes;

  • Kurran Tangi Dam KPK on Kaitu River – began construction in 2016
  • Neelum-Jhelum Dam AJK – completed in 2018
  • Mohmand Dam KPK – began construction in 2019
  • Gulpur Dam AJK – completed in 2020
  • Dassu Dam KPK – began construction in 2020
  • Diamer-Bhasha Dam  Gilgit Baltistan – completes in 2029
Dams in Islamabad
  • Angoori Dam   Korang River
  • Rawal Dam     Korang River
  • Simly Dam      Soan River
  • Sandaymar Dam   Sandaymar River
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