Ignorance about dams

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The opposition to Kalabagh dam is not only political but also because there is very little understanding about how dams work. Dams only store surplus water during the flood season without interfering with the normal flow of the river. The flow in the Indus will actually increase when Sindh’s share from the stored water is released into it. Other than Kalabagh dam being in Punjab there is no difference between Kalabagh and Bhasha dam. Both will store water for irrigation to feed the irrigation canals at the barrages as per demand and as per the agreed provincial shares. The number of canals on the Indus barrages are: Jinnah-1, Chashma-2, Taunsa-3, Guddu-4, Sukkur-7 and Kotri-4. It is not the dams but the canals which deplete the Indus river and leave very little to flow below Kotri. The demand at the canal heads has been increasing every year but the supply has remained static for the last 38 years since Tarbela dam increased it from 83 maf to 104 maf. It is only ignorance of the actual position that is keeping us from increasing the much needed supplies.

ENGR KHURSHID ANWER
Lahore

1 COMMENT

  1. Mr Khurshid Anwer Sb, I am very sorry you are continuously try to distort the image of Sindh. One third of Sindh has already been converted into desert due to non release of water downstream Kotri despite release of limited water was envisaged in Water Accord – 1991 22 years ago but Punjab is not allowing to implement it resulting in man made ruination of Indus delta – the sixth largest in the world whereas 2.6 million people are dying in thirst and hunger between area situated in Kotri and Arabian Sea.

    Please take mercy on Sindh and its people. If you are really well wisher of Sindh, emphasize Punjab as first step not to object on release of water downstream Kotri and condemn notorious WAPDA for not conducting satisfactorily survey downstream Kotri.

    You had claim that: "It is not the dams but the canals which deplete the Indus river and leave very little to flow below Kotri" But there are many canals already built in Punjab, why the share of water of Punjab is not being reduced why in Sindh?

    Please be realistic. Punjab had always shown highhandedness against Sindh. Chashma – Jehlum Link Canal was FLOOD Canal but you are forcibly taking water through it.

    Sindh's share of water is being frequently stolen in Punjab. Recently 37000 cs Sindh's water is missing between Taunsa and Chashma. This is not first time.

    There is long list of Punjab's highhandedness. Plz support my suggestion that a Commission comprising apex court retired judges to investigate about the highhandedness of Punjab on water front and this decision would be acceptable to all.

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