Chotiari Dam
Chotiari Dam, also known as the Chotiari Reservoir, is located in Sanghar District, Sindh, Pakistan. It is surrounded by Thar Desert sand hills on the east, north, northeast, and southeast. While the Nara Canal bounds it on the west and south.
It is an artificial water reservoir located approximately 35 kilometers from Sanghar town, situated near the Achhro Thar (White Desert). The dam was constructed between 1994 and 2002, with the primary objective of storing water for irrigation and managing saline water discharge from the Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD).
Environmental Impact
Prior to the dam’s construction, the area comprised a complex of natural lakes and wetlands, including Baqar, Akanwari, Tajar, Phuleli, Seri, and Sao Naro lakes, as well as the Makhi Forest. These ecosystems supported a diverse range of flora and fauna. However, the transformation into a reservoir has led to significant environmental challenges:
Habitat Loss
The inundation of natural habitats has resulted in the decline of native vegetation and wildlife.
Soil Salinity and Waterlogging
Seepage from the reservoir has caused waterlogging and increased soil salinity in adjacent agricultural lands, adversely affecting crop productivity.
Biodiversity Threats
The area was home to several endangered species, including the Hog Deer (Axis porcinus), Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), and Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris). The ecological changes have threatened these species’ survival.
Accessibility
Chotiari Dam can be accessed via two main routes:
From Nawabshah: Travel approximately 80 km to Jamrao Head (locally known as “Mundh Jamrao”), then follow the road along the Ranto Canal to reach the dam’s northern embankment.
From Sanghar: Proceed to Achro, the official entrance to the Chotiari Reservoir.