Bolan River

Bolan River is located in Kachhi District, Balochistan, Pakistan. It flows through the Bolan Pass, which is a valley and a natural gateway through the Toba Kakar range. The Nari Bolan Canal Project dams the river for irrigation, supporting 24,000 acres of farmland.

The river valley stretches 89 km (55 miles) from Rindli in the south to Darwāza near Kolpur in the north, forming part of the Bolan Pass. The river is strategically located and has been used by traders, raiders and nomadic tribes as a gateway to and from South Asia.

Ecological Importance

It is a significant watercourse and is crucial to the region’s ecology, particularly in supporting freshwater ecosystems. For instance, freshwater algae along the river highlight its ecological importance and contribution to local biodiversity.

The river flows through an arid to semi-arid landscape and is part of the larger hydrological system that supports agriculture and natural habitats in Balochistan. The area surrounding the river, including parts of the Kachhi Plain, is ecologically sensitive and has been the focus of research related to aquatic flora and environmental conditions.