Water

2026 Syllabus Objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

  1. Identify on a map the Mangla, Tarbela and Warsak dams, and name two examples of barrages
  2. Understand the importance of water as a resource; understand how supplies for agricultural, industrial and domestic purposes are obtained, maintained and controlled as well as used; understand the reasons for, and consequences of, the Indus Water Treaty
  3. Explain and evaluate the causes of and solutions to the problems of water supply (including pollution)
  4. Understand the value of water as a resource for development
  5. Explain and evaluate how water supply issues can lead to conflict

Main Dams and Barrages in Pakistan

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Major Dams

Pakistan has three main large dams that you need to be able to locate on a map:

1. Tarbela Dam

  • Located on the Indus River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
  • This is the largest dam in Pakistan
  • Built to store water and generate hydroelectric power (electricity made from falling water)

2. Mangla Dam

  • Located on the Jhelum River in Punjab/Azad Kashmir
  • The second largest dam in Pakistan
  • Stores water for irrigation (watering crops) and produces electricity

3. Warsak Dam

  • Located on the Kabul River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
  • Smaller than Tarbela and Mangla
  • Provides water and electricity to the surrounding region

Examples of Barrages

A barrage is a low dam built across a river to control the flow of water and direct it into canals for irrigation. Unlike large dams, barrages do not create huge reservoirs (lakes) behind them.

Two important examples you should know:

1. Sukkur Barrage

  • Located on the River Indus in Sindh
  • Irrigates (provides water to) areas like Nawabshah and Larkana
  • One of the oldest and most important barrages in Pakistan

2. Guddu Barrage

  • Also located on the River Indus in Sindh
  • Irrigates areas like Jacobabad and Ghotki

Other barrages you might encounter: Kotri Barrage (Indus), Marala Barrage (Chenab), Rasul Barrage (Jhelum), Qadirabad Barrage (Chenab), Taunsa Barrage (Indus).

Differences Between Dams and Barrages

FeatureLarge DamsBarrages
Main purposeStore water in large reservoirsControl and divert water into canals
ElectricityMajor suppliers of hydroelectric power (HEP)Produce little or no electricity
SizeVery large, high structuresLower, wider structures
CostVery expensive to build and maintainLess expensive
LocationNeed steep slopes in mountainous areasCan be built on flat land
Area irrigatedIrrigate vast areasIrrigate specific regions
Siltation problemDifficult to solve (silt fills the reservoir)Easier to manage

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