Panjnad Barrage

Panjnad Barrage, also known as Panjnad Headworks, is located in the Bahawalpur District of Punjab, Pakistan. It is one of the largest barrages in the province and serves as a critical irrigation and transportation point. Construction of the headworks on the Chenab and Sutlej rivers began in 1922 under the Sutlej Valley Project and was completed in 1932.

Geographic Significance and Location

Located near Tranda Muhammad Panah, the Head Panjnad marks the spectacular confluence of five rivers—Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. These rivers merge into a single stream that ultimately joins the mighty Indus River. This unique natural convergence makes Panjnad a geographic marvel and a scenic location.

Tourism and Recreation

Thanks to its breathtaking river views, Panjnad has become a popular picnic spot. Visitors frequently enjoy boat rides, swimming, and local eateries that serve fresh river fish. The barrage is not only a functional structure but also features a bridge that links southern Punjab to the rest of the province. A small one-room museum located near the Head Panjnad offers insight into the site’s history and significance.

Irrigation Infrastructure

The Panjnad Barrage is equipped with three canals: the Panjnad Canal, Abbasia Canal, and Abbasia Link Canal. These have a combined design discharge of 14,433 cusecs. The Abbasia Canal and Panjnad Canal were initially constructed from Head Panjnad, later joined by the New Abbasia Canal. Together, they irrigate a vast area of Cholistan, including districts such as Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.

The barrage supports a gross command area of 1.81 million acres and delivers irrigation supplies to a cultivated command area of 1.62 million acres. Beyond the barrage, the Chenab River is commonly referred to as the Panjnad River.

Capacity and Modernization

Originally, the barrage had a designed discharge capacity of 0.45 million cusecs, which was later increased to 0.7 million cusecs. It serves a large region, with the barrage pond area extending into the Tehsil Alipur and the Tehsil Ahmedpur East. The road bridge across the barrage facilitates traffic moving between Punjab and Sindh.

In 2018, a major rehabilitation project was initiated in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, costing around Rs 4.5 billion. The three-year project successfully increased the discharge capacity from 0.7 million cusecs to 0.86 million cusecs, further enhancing the barrage’s operational efficiency and water management capabilities.