Jinnah Barrage
Jinnah Barrage is located on the Indus River, near Kalabagh in Mianwali District, Punjab, Pakistan. The Barrage, constructed between 1939 and 1946. It is a multipurpose structure designed for irrigation, water diversion, power generation, and flood control.
Background and Key Features
Built as part of the Thal Project, it irrigates approximately 770,000 hectares of land in the Sindh-Sagar Doab (east of the Indus River). The barrage diverts water into the Thal Canal, which stretches about 51.5 kilometers, with an extensive network of branches and distributaries totaling nearly 3,362 kilometers, supplying water to districts including Bhakkar, Khushab, Layyah, Mianwali, and Muzaffargarh. Structurally, the barrage is around 1,152 meters long with a flood height of 8.5 meters and features 42 spillway gates, each about 18.2 meters wide. In addition, a hydropower project of 96 MW was later installed, comprising four pit turbines of 12 MW each.
Transforming Landscape & Agriculture
Before the barrage, the “Thal” area was semi-arid, sandy, and difficult to farm. The Jinnah Barrage enabled large-scale irrigation, turning deserts into fertile farmland. Fields of wheat, vegetables, and other seasonal crops now stretch across what used to be almost barren land.
Historical & Engineering Marvel
It is among the older barrages in the region, built during the British colonial era, but still serving significant roles decades later. Recent rehabilitation works (around 2012 onward) aim to modernize, maintain flood & irrigation efficiency, upgrade mechanical parts, and improve downstream infrastructure.
River Life & Surroundings
The Indus around this area is also habitat (or formerly habitat) to Indus River Dolphins in certain stretches, though in the immediate stretch between Jinnah and Chashma Barrage, surveys suggest reduced sightings. Riverside landscapes, river currents, and seasonal changes (monsoon high flows vs dry season low flows) offer changing vistas. Local riverside communities reliant on the barrage for water, agriculture, and fishing bring cultural texture.