Project and Report 1 Bsc 7th

Project and Report 1 Irrigation System of Pakistan

Page 1 of 127

Submitted To Prof. Dr. Allah Bakhash

Subject Title Project and Report 1

Subject Code AENG-601

Report Title Irrigation System of Pakistan

By

Zia-ul-Hassan 2011-ag-2717

Pervez Akhtar 2011-ag-2778

Hafiz Ali Raza 2011-ag-2788

M. Waqas Sarwar 2011-ag-2793

Hamza Khalil 2011-ag-2902

Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology

University of Agriculture Faisalabad

Project and Report 1


Page 2 of 127


Page 3 of 127

Declaration

We hereby declare that contents of this report Irrigation System of Pakistan are the product of

our own study and no part as been copied from any published source (Except the references,

tables, figures etc.). We further declare that this work has not been submitted for award of any

other diploma /degree.


Page 4 of 127

Dedicated

To

Prof. Dr. Allah Bakhash

Dean Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology

University of Agriculture Faisalabad.

Our Guide

Who inspired us for this Remarkable work.


Page 5 of 127

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

All praise to ALLAH, lord of all the worlds, the most Affectionate, the most Merciful, who

taught writing by pen, taught me what I knew not. After the Almighty Allah, all praise and

thanks to the Holly Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). Who is forever a model of guidance and

knowledge for humanity.

If there were dreams to sell, marry and sad to tell and crier rings the bell, what would you

buy? , we will say that University Charming Days. Actually it is impossible, but it shows my

blind love to this institution which is homeland of knowledge, wisdom and intellectuality. We

are proud of being the students of this university.

The work presented in this manuscript was accomplished under the sympathetic attitude,

fatherly behavior, animate direction, observant pursuit, scholarly criticism, cheering perspective

and enlightened supervision of Prof. Dr. Allah Bakhash, Dean Faculty of Agricultural

Engineering and Technology UAF. His thorough analysis and rigorous critique improved not

only improve the quality of this dissertation, but also our overall understanding in irrigation

system of Pakistan. We are grateful to his ever inspiring guidance, keen interest, scholarly

comments and constructive suggestions throughout the course of our studies.

May Allah almighty infuse us with the energy to fulfill his noble inspiration and expectation and

to further modify our competence. May Allah bless him with long happy and peaceful life

(Aameen).


Page 6 of 127

Contents History of Irrigation...............................................................................................12

1.1 What is Irrigation? ............................................................................................................................. 12

1.1.1 Objectives of Irrigation: ............................................................................................................. 12

1.1.2 Water Resources for Irrigation: ................................................................................................. 12

1.2 History of Irrigation in World: ........................................................................................................... 13

1.3 History of Irrigation in Sub-Continent: .............................................................................................. 14

1.4 Irrigation in Pakistan: ........................................................................................................................ 15

1.5 Irrigation System: .............................................................................................................................. 15

1.5.1 Components of Irrigation System: ............................................................................................. 16

Indus Basin Irrigation System ..............................................................................18

2.1 Introduction: ..................................................................................................................................... 18

2.2 Salient Features of IBIS: .................................................................................................................... 19

2.3 Salient Features of Main Rivers: ....................................................................................................... 20

2.3.1 Sutlej River: ................................................................................................................................ 20

2.3.2 Ravi River: .................................................................................................................................. 21

2.3.3 Chenab River: ............................................................................................................................. 22

2.3.4 Jehlum River: .............................................................................................................................. 23

2.3.5 Indus River: ................................................................................................................................ 24

2.4 Disputes on Indus River Water: ........................................................................................................ 27

2.4.1 Controversy over Water Distribution of IRS Between Provinces:.............................................. 27

2.5 Conclusion: ........................................................................................................................................ 31

Departmental Structure of Irrigation System .....................................................33

3.1 Introduction: ..................................................................................................................................... 33

3.2 Federal Level: .................................................................................................................................... 33

3.2.1 WAPDA: ...................................................................................................................................... 33

3.2.2 IRSA: ........................................................................................................................................... 33

3.3 Provisional Level: .............................................................................................................................. 37

3.3.1 Provincial Irrigation and Power Department: ............................................................................ 37


Page 7 of 127

3.3.2 Punjab Irrigation and Drainage Authority (PIDA): ...................................................................... 37

3.3.3 Area Water Boards (AWB): ........................................................................................................ 38

3.3.4 Farmer Organization: ................................................................................................................. 39

3.4 Conclusion: ........................................................................................................................................ 39

Dams and Barrages of Pakistan............................................................................40

4.1 Introduction: ..................................................................................................................................... 40

4.2 Dams of Pakistan: .............................................................................................................................. 40

4.2.1 Dams of Azad Kashmir: .............................................................................................................. 40

4.2.2 Dams of Baluchistan:.................................................................................................................. 40

4.2.3 Dams of FATA: ............................................................................................................................ 43

4.2.4 Dams of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: .................................................................................................. 43

4.2.5 Dams of Punjab: ......................................................................................................................... 44

4.2.6 Operational Small Dams in Punjab: ........................................................................................... 45

4.2.7 Dams of Federally Administered Tribal Areas:........................................................................... 46

4.3 Major Dams in Pakistan: ................................................................................................................... 47

4.3.1 Tarbela Dam: .............................................................................................................................. 47

4.3.2 Mangla Dam: .............................................................................................................................. 52

4.3.3 Chashma Reservoir: ................................................................................................................... 57

4.3.4 Loss of Reservoir Capacities: ...................................................................................................... 57

4.4 Barrages of Pakistan:......................................................................................................................... 58

4.4.1 Chashma Barrage: ...................................................................................................................... 59

4.4.2 Taunsa Barrage: ......................................................................................................................... 60

4.4.3 Jinnah Barrage:........................................................................................................................... 61

4.4.4 Guddu Barrage: .......................................................................................................................... 62

4.4.5 Sukkar Barrage: .......................................................................................................................... 63

4.4.6 Kotri Barrage: ............................................................................................................................. 64

4.4.7 Rasul Barrage: ............................................................................................................................ 65

4.4.8 Marala Barrage: ......................................................................................................................... 66

4.4.9 Khanki Barrage: .......................................................................................................................... 67

4.4.10 Qadirabad Barrage: .................................................................................................................. 68

4.4.11 Trimmu Barrage: ...................................................................................................................... 69


Page 8 of 127

4.4.12 Panjnad Barrage: ...................................................................................................................... 70

4.4.13 Balloki Barrage: ........................................................................................................................ 71

4.4.14 Sidhnai Barrage: ....................................................................................................................... 72

4.4.15 Sulemanki Barrage: .................................................................................................................. 73

4.4.16 Islam Barrage: .......................................................................................................................... 74

4.5 Conclusion: ........................................................................................................................................ 75

Canal System of Pakistan ......................................................................................76

5.1 What is Canal?................................................................................................................................... 76

5.2 Canal System of Pakistan: ................................................................................................................. 76

5.2.1 Types of canals in Pakistan: ....................................................................................................... 76

5.3 Link Canals:........................................................................................................................................ 77

5.3.1 Chashma-Jehlum Link Canal: ...................................................................................................... 77

5.3.2 Tauns-Punjnad Link Canal: ......................................................................................................... 77

5.3.3 Marala-Ravi Link Canal: .............................................................................................................. 77

5.3.4 Upper-Chenab-Ravi Link Canal:.................................................................................................. 79

5.3.5 Rasul-Qadirabad Link Canal: ...................................................................................................... 79

5.3.6 Qadirabad-Balloki Link Canal: .................................................................................................... 79

5.3.7 Balloki-Sulemanki Link Canal: .................................................................................................... 79

5.3.8 Trimmu-Sidhnai Link Canal: ....................................................................................................... 79

5.3.9 Sidhnai-Mailsi Link Canal: .......................................................................................................... 79

5.3.10 Mailsi-Bahawal Link Canal: ....................................................................................................... 79

5.3.11 Abasia Link Canal: .................................................................................................................... 79

5.3.12 Bambanwala, Ravi & Bedian Link Canal: .................................................................................. 79

5.4.1 Canals on Ravi River: .................................................................................................................. 80

5.4.2 Canals of River Sutlej:................................................................................................................. 81

5.4.3 Canals on Chenab River: ............................................................................................................ 82

5.4.4 Canals on River Jehlum: ............................................................................................................. 85

5.4.5 Canals on Indus River: ................................................................................................................ 86

5.5 Conclusion: ........................................................................................................................................ 91

Telemetry System ...................................................................................................93

6.1 Telemetry System: ............................................................................................................................ 93


Page 9 of 127

6.2 Applications of Telemetry System: ................................................................................................... 93

6.2.1 Agriculture: ................................................................................................................................ 94

6.2.2 Water Management: .................................................................................................................. 94

6.3 Telemetry System and Pakistan: ....................................................................................................... 94

6.3.1 Benefits: ..................................................................................................................................... 94

6.3.2 Current Status in Pakistan: ......................................................................................................... 95

6.3.3 Causes of Failure in Pakistan: ..................................................................................................... 95

6.4 Conclusion: ........................................................................................................................................ 96

Problems of Irrigation System ..............................................................................97

7.1 Introduction: ..................................................................................................................................... 97

7.2 Major Problems of the Existing System: ........................................................................................... 97

7.2.1 Rigid System Design: .................................................................................................................. 97

7.2.2 Inadequate Drainage:................................................................................................................. 97

7.2.3 Low Delivery Efficiency and Inequitable Distribution: ............................................................... 98

7.2.4 Water-logging and Salinity: ........................................................................................................ 98

7.2.5 Over-exploitation of Groundwater in Fresh Water Areas: ........................................................ 99

7.3 Problems Caused by Inadequate Planning: ...................................................................................... 99

7.3.1 Inadequate Operation and Maintenance (O&M): ..................................................................... 99

7.3.2 Poor Investment Planning: ......................................................................................................... 99

7.4 Conclusion: ...................................................................................................................................... 100

Rainwater Harvesting and Management ...........................................................101

8.1 History: ............................................................................................................................................ 101

8.2 Rainwater Harvesting: ..................................................................................................................... 101

8.3 Rainwater harvesting techniques ................................................................................................... 101

8.3.1 Land-Based: .............................................................................................................................. 103

8.3.2 Roof-Based: .............................................................................................................................. 103

8.4 Factors Affecting on Rainwater Harvesting: ................................................................................... 104

8.4.1 Rainfall: .................................................................................................................................... 104

8.4.2 Land Cover: .............................................................................................................................. 104

8.4.3 Topography and Terrain Profile: .............................................................................................. 104

8.4.4 Soil Texture and Soil Depth: ..................................................................................................... 104


Page 10 of 127

8.4.5 Hydrology of Area: ................................................................................................................... 105

8.4.6 Social, Economic and Transportation Conditions: ................................................................... 105

8.4.7 Ecological and Environmental Affects:..................................................................................... 105

8.5 Rainwater Harvesting Advantages: ................................................................................................. 105

8.6 Rainwater Harvesting Disadvantages: ............................................................................................ 106

8.7 Rainwater Harvesting and Management in Pakistan:..................................................................... 106

8.8 Rainwater Harvesting and Management in Punjab: ....................................................................... 107

8.8.1 Focused Area: ........................................................................................................................... 107

8.9 Conclusion: ...................................................................................................................................... 113

Ground Water and Its Quality ...........................................................................115

9.1 Importance of Groundwater ........................................................................................................... 115

9.2 Groundwater Resources of Pakistan:.............................................................................................. 115

9.3 Historical Background: .................................................................................................................... 116

9.3.1 Groundwater Potential in Pakistan Provinces: ........................................................................ 116

9.4 Challenges of Groundwater Management: .................................................................................... 118

9.5 Ground Water Exploitation: ............................................................................................................ 118

9.6 Groundwater Depletion: ................................................................................................................. 120

9.7 Deterioration of Groundwater Quality Due to Salinization and Pollution: .................................... 122

9.7.1 Soil Salinization: ....................................................................................................................... 123

9.7.2 Socio-economic and Environmental Impacts: ......................................................................... 123

9.8 SCARP Pilot Projects: ....................................................................................................................... 124

9.8.1 Achievements and Shortcomings of Completed Projects:....................................................... 125

9.9 Conclusion: ...................................................................................................................................... 126


Page 11 of 127

ABSTRACT

Pakistan is an agricultural country and its irrigation system relies heavily on availability of fresh

surface water. Pakistan has the world largest continuous irrigation system with three major

storage reservoirs, 19 barrages, 12 link canals, 46 main canals and thousands of hydraulic

structures. This was initiated in the last century and continuous to expand with more area coming

under canal irrigation.

This report takes stock of the present situation of water-resources, present needs and future

requirements; the challenges imposed, and suggest short, medium, and long-term strategies to

cope with the situation. The suggested short-term strategies include starting a mass-awareness

campaign, propagation of high-efficiency irrigation systems, changes in cropping-patterns,

identification of feasible surface-water storage sites and dams, and activation of water-user

organizations. The medium-term strategies suggest giving priority to lining of distributaries,

minors and watercourses in saline groundwater areas, construction of small dams and installation

of tube wells in technically feasible areas, improving flood and drought- forecasting methods,

and a much wider application of conjunctive water-use approach and propagation of high-

efficiency irrigation systems. Institutional reforms for better co-ordination and a wider

formulation of a national water-policy are other priority areas under the medium-term strategic

plan. Long term strategies include formulation of a regulatory framework on groundwater

abstraction, construction of large storage dams, better flood and drought-forecasting mechanisms

and resolving water-distribution problems between provinces. It is recommended that a National

Commission on Water, supported by an experts panel, be created to steer the formulation of the

strategies and ensure the implementation of the strategies proposed.


Page 12 of 127

Chapter No. 01

History of Irrigation

1.1 What is Irrigation?

Artificial application of water to the soil through manually or mechanically managed

system for the purpose to;

Supply moisture essential for plant growth.

Encourage plant root development.

Cool the soil and atmosphere.

Create favorable condition for plant growth.

Transport nutrients from soil to plant.

It is used to assist in the growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscape

and revegetation of disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall.

Additionally, irrigation also has a few other uses in crop production, which include protecting

plants against frost, suppressing weed growth in grain fields and preventing soil consolidation. In

contrast, agriculture that relies only on direct rainfall is referred to as rain-fed or dry land

farming.

1.1.1 Objectives of Irrigation:

Following are some objectives of irrigation;

To Supply Water Partially or Totally for Crop Need.

To Cool both the Soil and the Plant.

To Leach Excess Salts.

To improve Groundwater storage.

To Facilitate continuous cropping.

To Enhance Fertilizer Application- Fertigation.

1.1.2 Water Resources for Irrigation:

Following are the water resources for irrigation;

1. Surface Water.

2. Rainfall/Precipitation.

3. Groundwater.

Surface water is diverted to the fields by the use of rivers, canals, channels etc.

Rainfall/Precipitation may directly fall into the fields; groundwater is abstracted from soil and

diverted to the fields.


Page 13 of 127

1.2 History of Irrigation in World:

History of irrigation in the world is very old. Archaeological investigation has identified

evidence of irrigation where the natural rainfall was insufficient to support crops. Perennial

irrigation was practiced in the Mesopotamian plain whereby crops were regularly watered

throughout the growing season by coaxing water through a matrix of small channels formed in

the field.

Ancient Egyptians practiced Basin irrigation using the flooding of the Nile to inundate

land plots which had been surrounded by dykes. The flood water was held until the fertile

sediment had settled before the surplus was returned to the watercourse. There is evidence of the

ancient Egyptian pharaoh Amenemhet III in the twelfth dynasty (about 1800 BCE) using the

natural lake of the Faiyum Oasis as a reservoir to store surpluses of water for use during the dry

seasons, the lake swelled annually from flooding of the Nile, (Wikipedia).

The Ancient Nubians developed a form of irrigation by using a waterwheel-like device

called a sakia. Irrigation began in Nubia sometime between the third and second millennium

BCE. It largely depended upon the flood waters that would flow through the Nile River and other

rivers in what is now the Sudan, (Wikipedia).

In sub-Saharan Africa irrigation reached the Niger River region cultures and

civilizations by the first or second millennium BCE and was based on wet season flooding and

water harvesting, (Wikipedia).

Terrace irrigation is evidenced in pre-Columbian America, early Syria, India, and

China. In the Zana Valley of the Andes Mountains in Peru, archaeologists found remains of three

irrigation canals radiocarbon dated from the 4th millennium BCE, the 3rd millennium BCE and

the 9th century CE. These canals are the earliest record of irrigation in the New World. Traces of

a canal possibly dating from the 5th millennium BCE were found under the 4th millennium

canal. Sophisticated irrigation and storage systems were developed by the Indus Valley

Civilization in present-day Pakistan and North India, including the reservoirs at Girnar in 3000

BCE and an early canal irrigation system from circa 2600 BCE. Large scale agriculture was

practiced and an extensive network of canals was used for the purpose of irrigation, (Wikipedia).

Ancient Persia (modern day Iran) as far back as the 6th millennium BCE, where barley

was grown in areas where the natural rainfall was insufficient to support such a

crop. The Qanats, developed in ancient Persia in about 800 BCE, are among the oldest known

irrigation methods still in use today. They are now found in Asia, the Middle East and North

Africa. The system comprises a network of vertical wells and gently sloping tunnels driven into

the sides of cliffs and steep hills to tap groundwater. The noria, a water wheel with clay pots

around the rim powered by the flow of the stream (or by animals where the water source was


Page 14 of 127

still), was first brought into use at about this time, by Roman settlers in North Africa. By 150

BCE the pots were fitted with valves to allow smoother filling as they were forced into the water.

The irrigation works of ancient Sri Lanka, the earliest dating from about 300 BCE, in

the reign of King Pandukabhaya and under continuous development for the next thousand years,

were one of the most complex irrigation systems of the ancient world. In addition to underground

canals, the Sinhalese were the first to build completely artificial reservoirs to store water. Due to

their engineering superiority in this sector, they were often called masters of irrigation. Most of

these irrigation systems still exist undamaged up to now, in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa,

because of the advanced and precise engineering. The system was extensively restored and

further extended during the reign of King Parakrama Bahu (11531186 CE), (Wikipedia).

Following are some historical facts about irrigation;

Joseph Canal (1900 B.C).

Greatest system inherited by Ramses II.

Worlds oldest Dam (3100 B.C).

Alhazen (Aswin Dam).

Community of Saba (Marib Dam).

Kanates/Karez in Baluchistan.

Irrigation in China (Tu-kiang Dam).

Western Jamuna Canal systems.

1.3 History of Irrigation in Sub-Continent:

In the recorded history of Sub-Continent, practices of irrigation can be found back to the

8th

century when Muslim rulers differentiated between irrigated and un-irrigated land for the

purpose of levying tax. There is evidence that irrigation has been practiced in the Sub-Continent

along the Indus system of rivers from 3000 B.C. In the beginning, only the narrow strips of land

along the river banks were irrigated, but with time, irrigation was extended to other nearby areas

by breaching the banks or the natural levies of the rivers to bring water to the low lying fields.

This was done only during high water periods.

The first canal was constructed some five or six centuries ago and extended under the

Mughal Emperors. The early canals were inundation channels and delivered water to the fields

when rivers were in high flow during the summer. They tended to be unpredictable in operation

and subjected both to frequent breaches and serious siltation problems. The next stage in the

evaluation of the Irrigation System was construction of perennial canals having permanent

headworks. These headworks either did not extend across the entire stream or allowed the floods

to pass over their crests. The first evidence of perennial irrigation on any of the Indus rivers dates

back to early seventeenth century when a 80 Km long canal was constructed by the Mughal

Emperor Jahangir (reigned 1605-27) to bring water from the right bank of the Ravi to the

pleasure gardens of Sheikhpura.

The present elaborate system of the Western Jamuna canal is believed to have been

based on a system initiated by Feroze Shah Tughlaq. Hasli canal leading off the Ravi which


Page 15 of 127

forms the nucleus of Upper Bari Doab canal was constructed by Ali Mardan Khan, an engineer

and governor of Punjab.

Upper Bari Doab canal at Madhopur headwork was constructed in 1858 and started

irrigation about one million acres of land between the Ravi and Bias Rivers with the water from

Ravi (Biswas, 1992pp.202). In the middle of the 19

th century when British took control there were only a few

inundation canals in Sub-Continent. By the end of 19th

century a number of separate inundation

systems were developed for each river. At the end of 19th

century efforts were also made to

construct a weir controlled irrigation system. The inundation systems were merged with various

perennial irrigation schemes when they were completed.

Table 1.1 Continent wise Irrigated Areas (Million Acres)*

Continent 1900 1940 1950 1960 1970 1985 2000

Europe 8.6 19.8 24.7 37.1 51.87 74.1 111.2

Asia 74.1 123.5 160.5 333.5 419.90 543.4 574.1

Africa 6.2 9.9 12.35 17.3 22.23 29.6 44.56

North America 9.9 22.2 32.1 42.0 61.75 79.0 86.5

South America 1.2 3.7 7.4 12.0 17.29 24.7 37.1

Australia Oceania 0 0.7 1.24 2.5 3.95 5.4 7.4

*Figures rounded to one place of decimal. Source: Irrigation and Hydraulic Structure by Dr. Iqbal Ali.

1.4 Irrigation in Pakistan:

The irrigation system of Pakistan is the largest integrated irrigation network in the world

serving approximately 18 million ha of cultivated land. There are 3 major storage reservoirs, 19

barrages, 12 inter-river link canals, 45 independent irrigation canal commands and over

140,000 watercourses. The water of the Indus River and its principal tributaries (the Kabul, the

Swat, and Kunar from the West, and the Jehlum, the Chenab, from the East) feed the system. The

concept of participation of a farming community in irrigated agriculture in Indo-Pak

subcontinent is not new as it has been practiced since time immemorial (Gill 1998). The civil

canals in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan are an example of Participatory

Irrigation Management (PIM) and these have been constructed, operated and maintained by the

stakeholders since long (1568-1800). Irrigation development in Pakistan started on a technical

foundation in the latter part of 19 century with major objectives to reduce the risk of famine and

maintain political and social stability (Stone 1984).

1.5 Irrigation System:

The irrigation system was designed with an objective to optimize the production per unit

of available water, ensuring equitable distribution between canals, branches and also among the

off takes (outlets). The duty (area irrigated by unit discharge during the base period) was fixed


Page 16 of 127

relatively high in order to irrigate more land with low cropping intensities. Another design

objective was to keep the administrative and operational requirements and cost as low as possible

and therefore the number of control structures in the canals was kept to a minimum. The

irrigation intensity was also kept low at an average of 75 percent. This design practice is known

as protective irrigation (Jurriens 1993, Jurriens et al. 1996).

1.5.1 Components of Irrigation System:

Following are the components of an irrigation system,

Watershed River Dam Barrage Canals (Link, Main, Branch, Major and Minor) Watercourse

Fig 1.1: Components of Irrigation System

Watershed receive rainfall and contributes to the formation of river, dams and barrages are

storage structures and rise the head of water, link canals deliver water from one river to another

river, main canal takes its supply from river and water of main canal is used for irrigation

through branch, major, minor and watercourse. In next pages we will discuss these components

of an irrigation system one by one.


Page 17 of 127

References:

Dr. Nazir Ahmad, Water Resources of Pakistan, Miraj uddin Press, Lahore September

1993.

Planning Commission, Govt of Pakistan (Sep 2001), Ten Year Perspective Development Plan 2001-11& Three Year Development Programme 2001-04.

Planning Commission, Govt of Pakistan (Sep 2001), Ten Year Perspective Development Plan 2001-11& Three Year Development Programme 2001-04.

http://www.tbl.com.pk/indus-basin-irrigation-system-of-pakistan/ Dillehay TD, Eling HH Jr, Rossen J (2005). "Preceramic irrigation canals in the Peruvian

Andes". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 102 (47): 17241

4.doi:10.1073/pnas.0508583102. PMC 1288011.PMID 16284247

Snyder, R. L.; Melo-Abreu, J. P. (2005). "Frost protection: fundamentals, practice, and economics" (PDF). Volume 1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United

Nations. ISSN 1684-8241

Siebert, S.; J. Hoogeveen, P. Dll, J-M. Faurs, S. Feick, and K. Frenken (2006-11-10). "Tropentag 2006 Conference on International Agricultural Research for Development" (PDF). Bonn, Germany. Retrieved 2007-03-14.

Provenzano, Giuseppe (2007). "Using HYDRUS-2D Simulation Model to Evaluate Wetted Soil Volume in Subsurface Drip Irrigation Systems". J. Irrig. Drain Eng. 133 (4):

342350.doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9437(2007)133:4(342)


Page 18 of 127

Chapter No. 02

Indus Basin Irrigation System

2.1 Introduction:

Pakistans Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS) is the strong heart of the countrys economy. Its creation is a tribute to the British irrigation engineers who created the original

system (1847-1947) that Pakistan inherited in 1947 and to the Pakistani irrigation engineers and

institutions (particularly the Water and Power Development Authority [WAPDA] and the

provincial irrigation departments) who have spent the last 60 years adding new dams and

barrages, building new link and branch canals, and modernizing and maintaining the worlds most complex and extensive irrigation system. From the 1950s onward, the IBIS has also been

the product of the generosity and intellectual input of a host of international experts and

international institutions, particularly the World Bank (Shahid, 2009).

The Indus River rises in the Tibetan plateau in the vicinity of Lake Mansarovar. It flows

in Tibet for about 200 miles before it enters Ladakh, (part of Kashmir under Indian control) and

then flows on towards Gilgit in Pakistan. Flowing through the North in a southerly direction

along the entire length of Pakistan, it falls into the Arabian Sea near Pakistans port city of Karachi. With a total length of 3,200 km (1,988 miles), the rivers estimated annual flow is approximately 207 billion m

3. The Indus River feeds ecosystems of temperate forests, plains and

arid countryside. Its five major tributaries are the Jehlum, the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas and the

Sutlej (also having origin in Tibetan plateau). Another two tributaries of the Indus, the Kabul and

the Kurram, rise in Afghanistan. Most of the Indus basin lies in Pakistan and India, with about 13

per cent of the total catchment area of the basin situated in Tibet and Afghanistan. The Indus

drainage basin area is shared by Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and China.

Table 2.1 Co-riparian States in Indus River Basin

Basin Name Total Area of

Basin in Km2

Country Name Area of

Country in

Basin in Km2

Per cent area of

country in basin (%)

Indus

1,138,800 Pakistan 597,700 52.48

India 381,600 33.51

China 76,200 6.69

Afghanistan 72,100 6.33

Chinese control

claimed by India

9,600 0.84

Indian control

claimed by China

1,600 0.14

Nepal 10 0.00

Source: ASIA: International River Basin registers.


Page 19 of 127

The Indus River system is the largest contiguous irrigation system in the world with a

command area of 20 million hectares and an annual irrigation capacity of over 12 million

hectares. Irrigation in the Indus River basin dates back centuries; by the late 1940s the irrigation

works along the river were the most extensive in the world. These irrigation projects had been

developed over the years under one political authority that of British India, and any water

conflict could be resolved by executive order. The Government of India Act of 1935, however,

put water under provincial jurisdiction, and some disputes did begin to crop up at the sites of the

more extensive works, notably between the provinces of Punjab and Sindh.

2.2 Salient Features of IBIS:

Pakistan, with a Geographical area of 796,095 square kilometers, possesses large rivers,

like Indus which, along with its 5 tributaries, namely Chenab, Jehlum, Ravi, Kabul and Sutlej,

forms one of the mightiest River-Systems of the world. The River-System comprises 2 storage

reservoirs, 19 large rivers Headworks, 45 Canal Systems measuring 58,000 kilometers, some 1.6

million kilometers of water-courses and field Irrigation Channels. Pakistan has big rivers like

Indus, Chenab, Ravi, Jehlum and Sutlej, where discharges in summer season vary from 100

thousand Cusecs to 1,200 thousand Cusecs (3 thousand to 34 thousand comics) and can cause

tremendous loss to human lives, crops and property. Due to limited capacity of storage at Tarbela

and Mangla Dams on river Indus and Jehlum, with virtually no control on Chenab, Ravi and

Sutlej, devastating problems are faced between July and October in the event of excessive

rainfall in the catchments.

The Irrigation system of Pakistan is the largest integrated irrigation network in the world,

serving almost 18 million ha of contiguous cultivated land. The system is fed by the waters of the

Indus River and its tributaries. The salient features of the system are three major storage

reservoirs, namely, Tarbela and Chashma on River Indus, and Mangla on River Jehlum, with a

present live-storage of about 15.4 BM3 (12.5 MAF), 19 barrages; 12 inter-river link canals and

45 independent irrigation canal commands. The total length of main canals alone is 58,500 Km.

Water courses comprise another 1,621,000 Kms.

Indus Basin Irrigation System is the largest irrigation network of the world. Salient

Features of the system are given below;

Pakistans Indus River Basin System comprises five main rivers, namely the Indus, Jehlum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej.

IBIS is also aided by a number of smaller rivers (Kabul, Swat, Haro, Kunhar, Chitral, Tochi, Shah Alam, Naguman, Adezai, Soan etc.) and streams/Nullahs, these five

rivers supply water to the entire Indus Basin Irrigation System.

These rivers have their origin in the higher altitudes and derive their flows mainly from snow-melt and monsoon rains.

Catchment area of Indus is most unique in the sense that it contains seven (7) of the worlds highest peaks after Mount Everest. Among these include the K2 (28,253 ft.), Nanga Parbat (26,600 ft.), Rakaposhi (25,552 ft.) etc.

Further to above, seven (7) glaciers situated in the Indus catchment are among the largest in the world, namely, Siachin, Hispar, Biafo, Baltura, Baltoro, Barpu and

Hopper


Page 20 of 127

Fig 2.1: Rivers of Pakistan.

2.3 Salient Features of Main Rivers:

Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, Jehlum and Indus are the main rivers of Pakistan. Following are the main features of these rivers;

2.3.1 Sutlej River:

Origin Western Tibet in the Kailas Mountain range and near the source of Rivers

Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra.

Length 960 miles/1536 Km

Catchment Area 47,100 Sq. miles/75,369 Sq.km (70% in India)

Pakistan portion Flows into Pakistan (Punjab) near Ferozepur and eventually joins Chenab 3

miles u/s Punjnad Barrage

Tributary Rivers Eight major tributaries (all except Rohi Nallah join Sutlej in India)

Largest Tributary River Beas (290 miles/464km), catchment area (6,200 Sq. miles/9,920

Sq.km)

Dams on the River Bhakra, Nangal, Pong, Pandoh (all in India),

Barrages on River Rupar Barrage, Harike Barrage, Ferozepur Barrage (India), Sulemanki &

Islam in Pakistan


Page 21 of 127

Fig 2.2: Schematic Diagram of Sutlej River Basin

2.3.2 Ravi River:

Origin Originates from the lesser Himalayas Range in India


Length of River Ravi

in Pakistan

422 miles

Catchment Area 15,600 Sq. miles/24,960Sq.km

Pakistan portion Runs almost along the Indo-Pak Border -15km d/s Madhopur to 20

miles u/s of Shahdara (58 miles)

Tributary Rivers Five major tributaries (Ujh, Bein, Basantar, Deg,

Hudiara nullahs upper catchments lie in India)

Largest Tributary Deg Nullah (160 miles/256km), catchment area (456 Sq. miles/730

Sq.km)

Barrages on River Madhopur Headwork (India), Balloki & Sidhnai (Pakistan)

Annual Average Flow 1.47 MAF (0.93 kharif and 0.54 rabi)


Page 22 of 127

Fig 2.3: Schematic Diagram of Ravi River Basin

2.3.3 Chenab River:

Origin Forms at the confluence of streams Bhaga & Chandra which join at a

place called Tandi in Occupied Jammu & Kashmir state.

-Upper most part is snow covered and forms the North East part of

Himachal Pradesh

-From Tandi to Akhnur the river traverses through high mountains

Length 770 miles/1,232 Km

Catchment Area 26,100 Sq. miles/41,760 Sq.km

Pakistan portion The river enters Pakistan a little over Head Marala with very sharp

changes in slope (130 ft./mile above Tandi reduced to 2 ft./mile close to

Trimmu)

Tributary Rivers Twelve major tributaries (6 each in occupied Jammu & Kashmir and

Pakistan). Doara, Dowara, Halsi, Bhimber, Palku and Budhi join close to

Marala

Largest Tributary Palku Nullah (75 miles/120km), catchment area (793 Sq. miles/1,269

Sq.km)

Dams on the River Salal, Baglihar (India),

Barrages on River Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad, Trimmu, Punjnad (Pakistan)


Page 23 of 127

Fig 2.4: Schematic Diagram of Chenab River Basin

2.3.4 Jehlum River:

Origin Originates in the Kashmir Valley about 34 miles (54 km) east of Anant Nag.


Catchment Area 24,500 Sq. miles/ 39,200Sq.km

Pakistan portion -From Mangla to Jehlum city it moves southwards and then turns westwards

up to Khushab;

-Beyond this it moves south up to its confluence with River Chenab and

Trimmu;

-Slope up to Muzaffarabad is 35 ft./mile, 60 ft./mile up to Kohala, 10

ft./mile up to Mangla

Tributary Rivers Ten major tributaries (including Neelum/Kishan Ganga, Kunhar, Poonch,

Kanshi)

Largest Tributary Kishan Ganga/Neelumh (165 miles/264km), catchment area (2,480 Sq.

miles/3,968 Sq.km)

Barrages on River Mangla Dam, Rasul Barrage


Page 24 of 127

Fig 2.5: Schematic Diagram of Jehlum River Basin

2.3.5 Indus River:

Origin -One of the largest rivers of the world and the main river of the Indus

valley;

-Originates near lake Mansarovar on north of Himalayas range in the

mountain of Kailash Parbat in Tibet at an elevation of 18,000 ft.;

Length 925 miles/1,489 Km above Tarbela

Catchment Area 1,80,000 Sq. miles/2,88,000 Sq.km

Tributary Rivers Twenty seven (27) major tributaries above Guddu Barrage

Largest Tributary Shyoke river (400 miles/640km), catchment area (12,600 Sq.

miles/20,160 Sq.km)

Dams on the River Tarbela

Barrages on River Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa, Guddu, Sukkar, Kotri, Jinnah


Page 25 of 127

Fig 2.6: Schematic Diagram of Indus River Basin

Fig 2.7: Structures on Indus River System


Page 26 of 127

Fig 2.8: Schematic Diagram of Indus Basin Irrigation System


Page 27 of 127

2.4 Disputes on Indus River Water:

There was no question over water sharing in Sub-Continent till early 20th

century.

However, the situation changed after World War-I. There were several new projects like Thal,

Haveli, Bhakra Dam and Sutlej Valley canals in Punjab and Sukkar Barrage in Sindh were

proposed. It was first time in the history that some regions particularly Sindh as lower riparian,

felt that their river rights were threatened (Malik, 2011).The dispute of Indus Waters sharing

began long before the partition of India and Pakistan in the form of interstate differences

between the Punjab, Sindh, Bahawalpur, and Bikaner(Michal,1967).

Government of India acted as neutral third party and facilitated through negotiations.

Independent commissions were appointed to arbitrate in case of negotiation failure. The situation was serious when Upper Bari Doab Canal was completed in 1858 and started irrigation

about one million acres of land between the Ravi and Bias Rivers with the water from Ravi (Biswas, 1992pp.202).

2.4.1 Controversy over Water Distribution of IRS Between Provinces:

The dispute over water distribution of Indus River System (IRS) between provinces was

started in 1921 when British rulers started developing irrigation system with construction of new

barrages, canals and dams. Government of India appointed various committees to resolve the

water issue between provinces. Following committees & commissions were set up for

distribution of the Waters of the IRS between provinces:

Tripartite Agreement (1921) Indus Discharge Committee (1921)

SVP Inquiry Committee (1932)

Anderson Committee (1937) Rao Commission (1945) Indus Water Treaty (1960) Akhtar Hussain Committee (1968)

Fazle-e-Akbar Committee (1970)

Chief Justices Commission (1977)

Haleem Commission (1983)

a) The Tripartite Agreement (1921):

The first contract between Punjab province, Bahawalpur and Bikaner States was signed

in 1921. It was for distribution of waters of the Sutlej and Beas rivers. Bahawalpur State

protested against the provision of water supplies to the non-riparian Bikaner State on the ground

that the water was insufficient to meet the needs of the two riparian Punjab and Bahawalpur

State. The Government of India convinced the Punjab, Bahawalpur and Bikaner States to sign

the tripartite agreement. The agreement was based on three widely recognized water-right

principles as below:

A. Priority of existing use B. Recognition of claims of riparian owners, and C. Equitable apportionment regardless of history of use or of geographical location.


Page 28 of 127

b) The Indus Discharge Committee (1921):

Government of Bombay (Sindh was also part of Bombay presidency till 1935) objected

to Punjabs proposals for new projects. States of Bahawalpur and Bikaner were also demanding for more water provisions. Different claims from Punjab and Sindh were referred to the

Secretary of State London. He sanctioned construction of Sutlej Valley Project (SVP) and

Sukkar Barrage with seven canals. Decision on the other projects was postponed till after more

reliable river flow data was available (Federal Planning cell, 1990).

In response to petitions and counter claims by Sindh and Punjab, Government of India

appointed the Indus Discharge Committee in 1921. The committee scheduled to observe daily discharge at several sites on the rivers and canals in Indus Plains. To improve the availability of

hydrological data for these and other concerned projects, Government of India suggested to the

provincial government a comprehensive network of gauge and discharge observation sites at all

important sites along Indus and its tributaries. Arrangements were also made between Sindh and

Punjab to cooperate in discharge observations and in procedures of keeping their record. Sindh

was also allowed to appoint resident engineers to observer river and canal discharge in Punjab.

The committee recommended project of Haveli Canal and pointed out that future projects

proposed by Punjab should be considered by taking into account the possible effect on Sindh

water rights. A two member Nicholson Trench Committee was appointed to study the feasibility of Bhakra dam. In 1930, the committee in its report cleared Bhakra for construction.

c) SVP Inquiry Committee (1932):

Actual operations of SVP canals exposed that there was storage of supplies, especially in

early Kharif because actual river flows fell short of requirements. A committee was chosen in

1932 to look into the problem. It recommended exclusion of some areas in Bahawalpur State,

construction of new feeder canals and adjustment in the command areas of certain canals

(Federal Planning cell, 1990).

d) Anderson Committee (1937):

By the 1932, all the 11 SVP canals with four barrages and Sukkar Barrage project were

completed. A number of problems arose with the operation of these canals network. Bahawalpur

and Khairpur States wanted extra supplies. Punjab also asked for extra water for Haveli project.

In 1935, Government of India formed Committee of the Central Board of Irrigation on Distribution of Waters of the Indus and Tributaries, known as the Anderson Committee. It comprised representatives of K.PK, Bikaner, Khairpur and Government of India. It had eight

authorities to look into the matter and find a solution. Committee submitted its report in 1937. It

increased irrigation water supplies for Haveli and Thal projects. As regards Bhakra Dam, a

contract had already been reached between the governments of Bombay and Punjab in 1934. The

report cleared Haveli canal project which was started in 1934 and finished in 1939. Construction

of Kalabagh Barrage and Thal canal was started in 1939. But due to outbreak of World War II, it

was not commissioned till January, 1947.

e) Rao Commission (1945):

After the implementation of Government of India Act 1935, the development of river

waters became a provincial matter. Provinces were allowed to plan and start any work for

advancement of river waters passing through its territory. The Governor-General could interfere

only on receiving complaint by one province in contradiction of the other.


Page 29 of 127

On receipt of complaint by Government of Sindh against Punjabs proposal for increased extractions of water from the rivers passing through its region, Government of India appointed a

Commission named Rao Commission in September 1941. The commission had two chief engineers namely P.B Hickey and E.H Chave as its members. Terms of reference of the commission were to examine effects of water withdrawals on lowering of water levels in Sindh to result from storing water in Bhakra Reservoir and from withdrawals allowed for Haveli, Thal

and Sutlej Valley Canals (Malik,2011 pp. 70). Rao Commission submitted report in July 1942. The commission established priority for

the water allocation for Paharpur canal and also confirmed allocations for the Thal and Sukkar

schemes as recommended by Anderson Committee. The commission found that upstream

extractions of water would harmfully affect operation of inundation canals in Sindh, especially

during September. The best way to counteract this effect was to build barrages at Guddu and

Kotri. The Commission also suggested that compensation should be paid to the Sindh from Punjab province for damages likely to result from upstream withdrawals (Malik, 2011, pp.70). Its findings and recommendations were neither accepted by Punjab nor by Sindh. At this stage

negotiation were opened between the two chief engineers of Sindh and Punjab to find a solution

and reach on an agreement. After prolonged negotiations between Sindh and Punjab, a draft

agreement was drawn in September 1945. It was matter to settlement of the financial phase of

the dispute with respect to sharing of waters of the Indus and Punjab rivers.

f) Indus Water Treaty (1960):

On 14 August 1947, when Sub-Continent was divided into two independent countries,

there existed one of the most highly established irrigation systems in the world. The boundary

line between two countries was drawn without any consideration of irrigation work. Just after the

creation of Pakistan, India stopped water on April 1, 1948, in Pakistan Canals off-taking from

rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, whos Headwork, were situated in India (Ali, 1973). This gave rise to a serious first water dispute with India, which was ultimately resolved through the good

offices of the World Bank and Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was signed with India in 1960.

The Treaty gave exclusive water rights of the three eastern rivers namely Ravi, Beas and

Sutlej to India, while the water rights of the three western rivers namely; Indus, Jehlum and

Chenab were allotted to Pakistan except for some specified uses in the occupied State of Jammu

& Kashmir. Pakistan was required to meet the needs of eastern river canals from the western

rivers by constructing the suitable replacement works comprising storage dams and inter-river

transfer links. These works were to be completed by Pakistan in a period of ten years i.e., from

1960 to 1970, then after that period, India was given right to stop water flowing to Pakistan in

the three eastern rivers (Ghani, 2009).

Briefly, the Indus Water treaty, having discarded the joint development plan for

developing the Indus Basin as suggested by some international bodies, allotted the three western

rivers of the Indus basin- the Indus, the Chenab and the Jehlum to Pakistan and the three eastern

rivers Sutlej, Beas and Ravi to India. The Treaty in its Annexures acknowledged certain rights

and privileges for agricultural use of Pakistan drawing water from eastern rivers and similarly

India drawing water for similar reasons from the three western rivers.

The treaty permitted India to draw water from the western rivers for irrigation up to

642,000 acres that is in addition to another entitlement to irrigate 701,000 acres. India has so far

not made full use of its rights to draw this quantity of water from the western rivers. These

allocations were made based on the water flows and usage as existed on April 1960. While India


Page 30 of 127

is not permitted to build dams for water storage purposes (for consumptive uses) on the western

rivers passing through India, it is allowed to make limited use of waters including run of the river

hydroelectric power projects.

g) Akhtar Hussain Committee (1968):

A Water Allocation and Rates Committee were constituted by the Government of West

Pakistan (one unit) in May 1968. It was called Akhtar Hussain Committee after the name of its chairman (Government of the Punjab, 2002). Its terms of reference included:

Review barrage water allocations. Reservoir release patterns. Drawdown levels and use of ground water in relation to surface water deliveries.

However the committee submitted report on 30 June, 1970. One Unit was dissolved

splitting West Pakistan into four provinces. And this report could not attain any attention.

h) Justice Fazle Akbar Committee (1970-71):

Government of Pakistan set up a committee on October 15, 1970, chaired by former

justice Fazle Akbar of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The Committee was to recommend

allotment of water allocations of groundwater and its coordinate use with flow supplies and

sensible water requirements of the provinces for agriculture, industrial and other uses.

The committee submitted report to the government in 1971. No decision was taken on the

report. In the meanwhile ad hoc distribution of waters stored by Chashma Barrage and later

Tarbela Reservoir was ordered among provinces. Seasonal ad hoc distribution of waters stored

by two reservoirs continued till coming into effect of Water Apportionment Accord in 1991 as

noted presently.

i) Chief Justices Commission (1977): Government of Pakistan in 1977 established a commission to observe the issue of water

apportionment. The commission contained all chief justices of the four provincial High Courts

and was chaired by the chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan. Its report however remained

pending with the government till the Water Apportionment Accord came into effect in 1991.

j) Haleem Commission (1983):

This commission conducted the hearing of the case within limited framework and

submitted report to the president of Pakistan in the end of the April 1983 (Siddique, 2003). The

issue of water distribution could not be resolved and provinces received irrigation supplies

through ad hoc distribution of Indus waters notified by Federal Government for each

period/season of the year.

k) Water Apportionment Accord (1991): The government of Pakistan appreciating the urgency of the matter approved Water

Apportionment Accord on March 16, 1991. It was approved by the Council of Common Interest on March 21, 1991. According to the Water Apportionment Accord, share of each province, both

for Kharif and Rabi and allocation of balance supplies was allocated in MAF as given in Table 1.

The main clauses of Water apportionment Accord (1991) are given as follow:


Page 31 of 127

It supersedes all previous sharing arrangements and agreements arrived at in this regard.

It protects the existing uses of canal water in each province. It apportions the balance river supplies including flood surpluses and future storage

amongst the provinces.

It recognizes the need for constructing new storages wherever feasible on the Indus and other rivers for planned future agriculture development.

It also recognizes the need for certain minimum escapee to sea below Kotri to check sea intrusion for which further studies are to be undertaken.

It lays down the procedures for sharing shortage and surpluses on all Pakistan bases. The need to establish an Indus River System Authority for implementation of the

Accord was recognized and accepted. It would have representation from all the four

Provinces.

The balance river supplies including flood supplies and future storages are allocated as: 37% for Punjab, 37% for Sindh, 14% for K.PK and 12% for Baluchistan.

Table 2.2 Water shares of provinces according to water accord 1991

Province

Water Shares

Total

Balance Supply

Shares (%) * Kharif Rabi

Punjab 37.07 18.87 55.94 37

Sindh 33.94 14.82 48.76 37

K.PK 3.48 2.30 5.78 14

Civil Canals ** 1.80 1.20 3.00

Baluchistan 2.85 1.02 3.87 12

Total 77.34 37.01 114.35 100

Source: Save Water Save Pakistan by B.A Malik.

*Including flood flows & future storage

** Ungagged civil canals in K.PK

2.5 Conclusion:

In short we can say that Indus river system is the largest system of irrigation. It includes five main rivers with their tributaries. It is the strong heart of the Pakistans economy. Its creation is a tribute to the British irrigation engineers who created the original system (1847-

1947) that Pakistan inherited in 1947 and to the Pakistani irrigation engineers and institutions

who maintained the system. There were no disputes on the shearing of I.R.S water till 20th

century, however the situation changed after the World War-I. In-order to resolve these disputes

several commissions and committees were made as we discussed in previous pages. In next

pages we will discuss about departmental structure of Pakistan irrigation system.


Page 32 of 127

References:

World Water Assessment Programme, The United Nations World Water Development Report

3: Water in a Changing World, (Paris: UNESCO, and London Earthscan, 2009), p.29.

M. Zeitoun and N. Mirumachi, "Trans boundary Water Interaction I: Reconsidering Conflict and Cooperation", International Environmental Agreements, 8: 4, 2008, p. 298.

Pacific Institute initiated a project in the late 1980s to track and categorize events related to water and conflict which have been continuously updated ever since. See, Dr. Peter H. Gleick, Water Conflict Chronology, Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security, 2009, at .

Economic Survey of Pakistan, 2009-10, op.cit. (ref.21), p.13. Ahmer Bilal Soofi, Dawn (Islamabad), February 20, 2010,

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-contentlibrary/dawn/the

newspaper/editorial/water-war-with-india-020

Ali, C. M. (1973). Emergence of Pakistan. Lahore: Research Society of Pakistan, University of the Punjab, Lahore.

Biswas, Asif, K. (1992) Indus Water Treaty: the Negotiating process, water international.P.202.

Government of the Punjab Effects of water Regulation, irrigation and power department, 2002. P.4

Haider.Ghulam, Dr.(2002).Water Resources Development, Conservation and Management, The Environ Monitor,(vol.11, No.6).

Malik, B. A. (2005). Indus water treaty in retrospect. Brite Publishers, Lahore. Malik, B. A. (2011). Save Water Save Pakistan (First Ed.). Islamabad-Lahore-Karachi

(Pakistan): Ferozsons

Rajput, Muhammad Idris (2007) Water problems: perspective from Sindh. Problems and politics water sharing and management in Pakistan. Edited by Parvez Iqbal Cheema,

Rashid Ahmad Khan, And Ahmad Rashid Malik, Islamabad Policy Research Institute.


Page 33 of 127

Chapter No. 03

Departmental Structure of Irrigation System

3.1 Introduction:

Irrigation system of Pakistan is the world largest system. Different departments are made

to manage this system. Success of this system totally depends upon the performance of these

departments. There are two levels of these departments;

Federal Level Provisional Level

The irrigation system of Pakistan is primarily managed and operated by the Provisional

Government. At Federal level, a separate ministry of water and power exists for management,

planning and development of irrigation system. Now we will discuss about these departments in

details.

3.2 Federal Level:

At federal level following are the two departments;

WAPDA

IRSA

3.2.1 WAPDA:

Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) was established in 1958. Following are

the responsibilities of WAPDA.

The responsibility of large scale construction and water resources facilities such as storage dams, barrages, and link canals lies within WAPDA.

It is responsible for planning and execution of ground water development and management schemes such as pipe drainage, tube well drainage and reclamation projects.

After the completion of these projects, transfer to the provisional Irrigation departments for operation and maintenance.

3.2.2 IRSA:

IRSA is the abbreviation of Indus River System Authority.

a) When and why it was formed?

21st March, 1991, will go down in the history of Pakistan as a pivotal breakthrough in its

leap towards the 21st century and turning point in its march towards national consolidation. On


Page 34 of 127

that day was unraveled a dispute that had been festering in this part of the subcontinent for the

past seventy years.

As a follow-up to the meeting of the Chief Ministers at Lahore on March 3, 1991, a

meeting of the representatives of the four provinces was held at Lahore on March 04, 1991.

Another meeting was held at Karachi on March 16, 1991. The list of participants is attached.

The participants agreed on the following points:

There was an agreement that the issue relating to Apportionment of the Waters of the Indus River System should be settled as quickly as possible,

In the light of the accepted water distributional principles the following apportionment was agreed to;

Table 3.1: Distribution of Water among Provinces

PROVINCE KHARIF (maf) RABI(maf) TOTAL(maf)

PUNJAB 37.07 18.87 55.94

SINDH 33.94 14.82 48.76

N.W.F.P.

(a) CIVIL CANALS**

3.48

1.80

2.30

1.20

5.78

3.00

BALOCHISTAN 2.85 1.02 3.87

TOTAL 77.34

+ 1.80

37.01

+1.20

114.35

+3.00

b) Aims and Objectives:

Water release from dams and barrages to the main irrigation system is assessed and

controlled by Indus river system Authority (IRSA) and received by the provincial irrigation

departments for further operation& maintenance.

To resolve disputes among the provinces pertaining to their share of water To monitor , regulate and distribute the available water resources of the country

among the provinces

The monitoring of water resources withdrawn by each canal system is done through telemetry system. The data collected through telemetry system is

transferred to central unit of IRSA for analysis

Each province prepared its indents for release and sends it to IRSA .The statements of withdrawals are also prepared and verified by the provinces.


Page 35 of 127

c) Current Situations:

Following are the current situations of IRSA including discharge from different dams and

barrages.

Table 3.2: Current Situation of major reservoirs

Sr# Dams/Barrage Mean Inflow(Cs) Mean outflow(Cs)

1 INDUS @ TARBEL 20300 35000

2 CHASHMA 37193 30000

3 JEHLUM @

MANGLA:

10334 42000

Table 3.3: Current Situation of Different Barrages

Headwork /Barrage U/S Discharge (Cs) D/S Discharge (Cs)

KALABAGH 5878 51285

TAUNSA 29376 29376

GUDDU 40698 34411

SUKKAR 32590 4790

KOTRI 6087 0

CHENAB @ MARALA: 7058 3000

PANJNAD

Total Rim Station inflow = 45762Cs

Total Rim Station Outflow= 95748Cs

d) Water Allocation to the Provinces:

Punjab = 57,900cs

Sindh = 3,500cs

Baluchistan = 4,800cs

KPK =3,100cs

Reference (http://www.pakirsa.gov.pk/)


Page 36 of 127

Fig 3.1: Organizational Chart of IRSA


Page 37 of 127

3.3 Provisional Level:

Following departments are worked on provisional level;

3.3.1 Provincial Irrigation and Power Department:

The Provincial Irrigation Departments exercise their management over the irrigation

system below dams, comprising Barrages, Headworks, main canals, and distributaries, minor

and main watercourses. The On Farm Irrigation System below canal outlet comprising main

watercourses is managed by the provisional Irrigation Department of Irrigation (PIPD) but

constructed and maintained by the cultivators or shareholders of the command. The field

watercourses or Farmer Branches are constructed and maintained by the farmer themselves

PIPD also administers water Distribution and resolution of conflicts among water users.

Water distribution among the shareholders is implemented through Warabandi schedule issued

by the PIPD that predefined the location and time of each users turn.

3.3.2 Punjab Irrigation and Drainage Authority (PIDA):

a) When and why it was established?

On cognizant of the problems in irrigated agriculture and water management in the

province, Government of the Punjab decided to adopt the institutional reforms in irrigation

sector. Hence, during june-1997, the Punjab provincial assembly passed the Punjab Irrigation &

Drainage Authority act. The Government of the Punjab established PIDA as autonomous body

under act 1997 to take over the functions of the irrigation and Power department pertaining to

irrigation, drainage and flood control. Under this act PIDA has been vested with control over;

Rivers Canals Drainage Streams Hill torrents Springs

b) Responsibilities:

Perform all the duties and functions of the irrigation wing of irrigation and power department.

Plan, design, construct, operate and maintain the irrigation, drainage and flood control infrastructure located within the territorial jurisdiction of PIDA.

Introduce the concept of participatory management through the pilot AWB and FOs and to adopt and implement policies aimed at promoting growth and development of FOs monitoring of their performance planning.

It will also be responsible for its own finances including the collection charges from the clients (Government of the Punjab for flood control and other public

services corporation and district councils) and from AWBs and for negotiating

transfer payments and subsidies from the Government of the Punjab.


Page 38 of 127

c) Current Situations:

Punjab Irrigation and Drainage Authority (PIDA) is pursuing the implementation of

Institutional Reforms in irrigation sector of Punjab. After the transfer of Irrigation Management

to 85 Farmer Organizations in pilot areas; Lower Chenab Canal (East) Circle Faisalabad, 67 FOs

in Lower Chenab Canal (West) Circle, 30 FOs in Chashma Right Bank Canal Circle, 10 FOs in

Lower Jehlum Canal Circle and 3 FOs in Bahawalnagar Canal Circle, PIDA has also initiated the

reforms implementation process in Lower Bari Doab Canal Circle and Dera Ghazi Khan Circle.

3.3.3 Area Water Boards (AWB):

a) When and why it was formed?

The first AWB was set up on the lower Chenab canal (east) circle Faisalabad that

commands for 1.6 million acre. The second Area Water Boards has been established at lower

Bari Doab Canal (LBDC) circle Sahiwal that commands about 0.07 million acres of land. The

Area Water Boards was formed to assume the responsibilities of managing and progressively

financing the operation and maintenance cost of irrigation and drainage network within its

jurisdiction Preliminary the Area Water Boards was responsible for management of the canal

command and its branch system from Barrage to district heads drainage and flood control

infrastructure. Under the act 1997, the Area Water Boards are expected to perform the following

functions

Approve and monitor the operation and maintenance work plan of FOs. Recommend the development Schemes for annual development programs. Approve rotational program of the water distribution Checking water thefts and other offences Monitor expenditures and budget allocations. Assist the authority and Govt. in the formation, promotion and development of FOs

and Monitor their work.

b) Current Situations of AWBs:

PIDA Authority shall appoint a registrar for an Area Water Board and a registrar at its

Head Office who shall perform all functions relating to the registration of the farmer

organizations

Lower Chenab Canal (East)

Lower Chenab Canal (West)

Bahawalnagar Canal

Dera Jaat Canal

Lower Bari Doab Canal


Page 39 of 127

3.3.4 Farmer Organization:

It was formed for the management of system at the minor distributary level which are

owned and controlled by the farmers. The Farmer Organization is responsible for managing the

minor distributaries that fall into branch drains. It is also responsible for manage fresh ground

water tube wells, on farm tile drains& off farm sub drains.

Functions:

To manage, operate and maintain the irrigation infrastructure including any hydraulic

structure located on it, for which it has been established.

To obtain irrigation and water supplies from the authority or relevant area water board & its head regulator and consequently pay the agreed amount to the AWB concerned or

between Farmer Organization concerned & the authority

To supply the irrigation water equitably to the farmers and other water users within the area.

To assess the water rates and other irrigation charges to be collected from the water users.

3.4 Conclusion:

This was all about different departmental structures of irrigation system of Pakistan.

Every province has its own irrigation and drainage authority to manage its irrigation system.

Success of our irrigation system is totally depends upon the performance of these departments. In

next pages we will discuss about different barrages of Pakistan in details.

References:

Irrigation & Drainage Practices for Agriculture by Dr. Muhammad Rafique Chaudhary (http://www.pakirsa.gov.pk/)


Page 40 of 127

Chapter No. 04

Dams and Barrages of Pakistan

4.1 Introduction:

Pakistan is an agriculture country so, agriculture is the backbone of Pakistans economy

and more than 50% population depends upon agriculture. As Pakistan is an agriculture country

so irrigation is necessary for agriculture. The irrigation system of Pakistan comprises of 2 major

storage reservoirs, 19 large rivers Headworks and a number of small dams. In this chapter we

will discuss in details about these dams and barrages of Pakistan.

4.2 Dams of Pakistan:

There are many smaller and larger scale dams are in Pakistan. Following is a list of

different dams in Pakistan with their storage capacity and location.

4.2.1 Dams of Azad Kashmir:

Table 4.1: Dams in Azad Kashmir

Name Location/Nearest

city

Impounds Height

(ft.)

Storage

Capacity

(Acre ft.)

Year of

Completion

Kakra Dam Mirpur District,

Kakra

Saddle Dam 138 n/a 1967

Mangla

Dam

Mirpur District Jehlum River 453 5,879,139 1967

Shukian

Dam

Mirpur District Saddle Dam 144 n/a 1967

Jari Kas Dam Mirpur District Saddle Dam 276 n/a 1967

Jari Rim

Works

Mirpur District Saddle Dam 138 n/a 1967

4.2.2 Dams of Baluchistan:

Table 4.2: Dams in Baluchistan


city

Impounds Height

(ft.)

Storage

Capacity

(Acre ft.)

Year of

Completion

Akra Kaur Dam Gwadar Akra Kaur

River

69 17,025 1995

Amach Dam Mastung Amach River 50 1,358 1987


Page 41 of 127

Baghak Dam

Band-e-Chaman

Dam

Turbet Band-e-Chaman

River

49 2,000 1994

Bisialla Dam

Bostan Darra

Dam

Quetta Darra Manda

River

66 170 1987

Brewery Dam

Kuchnai Darra

Dam

Quetta 2008

Duz Durg Dam Mastung Duz Dur River 50 40 1984

Galangoor Dam

Ganj Dara Dam

Ghargi Dam Pishin n/a 50 100 1986

Ghat Amoon

Dam

Ghunza Dam Pishin n/a 50 178 1984

Ghuti Shela

Dam

Giwari Dam

Gogi Dam Ziarat Gogi River 54 400 1981

Gokar Dam

Gur Dam Kalat n/a 50 404 1982

Haero Dam

Hingi Dam Quetta Hingi 49 163 1995-96

Hub Dam Malir Hub River 157 856,924 1979

Khad Koocha

Dam

Mastung Kad Koocha

River

50 95 1984

Khajeer Dam Qila Saifullah Khajeer River 49 250 1991

Khori Dam

Kohar Dam Loralai

Nari Kach Dam

Kullan Dam

Lalai Dam

Machka Manda

Dam

Mana Storage

Dam

Ziarat Mana River 62 1,480 1961

Mangi Dam Ziarat Boin Viala

River

59 105 1982

Mirani Dam Makran Dashat River 128 302,396 2007

Morinko Dam

Murghai Check

Dam

Murghai Kotal

Dam


Page 42 of 127

Nail Mirdadzai

Storage Dam

Nishpa Dam Mastung Nishpa River 49 93 1994

Nousahr Dam

Nundra Kapper

Dam

Palian Dam

Pinakai Dam Qila Saifullah Pinakari River 50 39 1994

Rindak Storage

Dam

Sabakzai Dam Zhob Zhob River 114 32,700 2007

Sasnak Mana

Storage Dam

Ziarat Sasnak River 62 220 1993

Sassi Punnu

Dam

Shadak Dam Pishin Shadak River 50 70 1983

Sgadi Kaur

Storage Dam

Shagai Dam Quetta n/a 50 309 1993

Sherran Manda

Dam

Shiker Dam Pishin Shiker River 62 49 1988

Spin Dam

Spinkarez Dam Quetta Nar River &

Murdar River

95 5,513 1995

Tabai Dam Quetta Tabai River 49 142 1994

Takhtani Dam

Tang Storage

Dam

Tanga Dam

Tangi Dababari

Dam

Tangi Dam Qila Saifullah Tangi River 50 61 1997

Thamarak Dam Pishin n/a 50 195 1986

Tooth Dam Kalat Tooth River 52 397 1991

Torkehezi Dam

Trikh Tangi

Dam

Under Base

Dam

Qila Saifullah Under Base

River

50 70 1985

Walitangai Dam Quetta Walitangai 79 413 1961

Some purposed or under construction dams are also present in Baluchistan i.e. Garuk Dam, Pelar

Dam, Winder Dam, Hingol Dam, Sukleji Dam, Naulong Dam and Darawat Dam.


Page 43 of 127

4.2.3 Dams of FATA:

Table 4.3: Dams in FATA


city

Impounds Height

(ft.)

Storage

Capacity

(Acre ft.)

Year of

Completion

Dandy Dam Miranshah 82 4,820 2011

Dargai Pal Dam Wana 98 4,780 2008

Gomal Zam

Dam

Wana Gomal River 436 1,134,998 2012

4.2.4 Dams of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:

Table 4.4: Dams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa


city

Impounds Height

(ft.)

Storage

Capacity

(Acre ft.)

Year of

Completion

Allai Khwar

Dam

Battagram Allai Khwar

River

167 2012

Auxiliary

Kandar Dam

Kohat Dargai Algada

River

75 2004

Aza Khel Dam Peshawar n/a 75 2004

Baran Dam Bannu Barran River 79 1962

Chaatri Dam Haripur Nain Sukh

River

85 1971

Chanda Fateh

Khan Dam

Kohat n/a 82 2004

Changhoz Dam Karak Changhoz

River

141 2007

Darwazai Dam Kohat Sodal Algada

River

49 1976

Gandially Dam Kohat Taru Algada

River

72 2002

Kahal Dam Hazara Kahal River 72 1971

Kandar Dam Kohat Dargai Algada

River

89 1970

Documents

Project and Report 1 Bsc 7th