Warsak Dam – The Oldest Dam in Pakistan
Pakistan has quite a good number of dams in the country, which are efficiently trying to meet the increasing demand for power and electricity. These dams play an integral role in the country’s economy and are a renewable energy source. Out of many dams, Warsak Dam is situated northwest of Peshawar near the village of Sra Khawra on the Kabul River. It has been constructed to control floods, generate hydroelectricity, and provide irrigation water. The dam is about 30 kilometers away from Peshawar city.
The total height of Warsak Dam Peshawar is around 250 feet, and its length is 460 feet. The dam has an incredible water storage capacity of 25,300 acre-feet. In addition, the gravity dam can produce hydroelectricity up to 240 megawatts.
Warsak Dam is known to be the oldest dam in Pakistan which got built in two phases. The Canadian government financed the project of this dam, and the total cost was around 109.35 million USD.
The Warsak Dam was constructed in 1957 and completed in 1960. In 1983, its expansion and renovation were carried out, which increased the power generation capacity to almost double.
The dam has a spillway with nine floodgates, which are used to release the extra water during floods to relieve the pressure on the main dam.
The family picnic spot near Warsak Dam is quite famous among locals and tourists as it provides a perfect getaway from the scorching heat of summer. The place is also rich in scenic beauty, and one can see snow-capped mountains in the backdrop.
Let’s move forward and see how Warsak Dam came into being and what you can do there on your trip to the dam!
Warsak Dam Peshawar Attractions, Ticket, Timings & Location
Warsak Dam Peshawar is one of the major tourist attractions in Pakistan. The dam is situated northwest of Peshawar near the village of Sra Khawra on the Kabul River. It has been constructed to control floods, generate hydroelectricity, and provide irrigation water. The dam is about 20 kilometers away from Peshawar city.
The entrance ticket to Warsak Dam is very cheap and affordable. The timings of Warsak Dam are from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening. The best time to visit Warsak Dam is during April-May as the weather is quite pleasant.
Warsak Dam Water Storage and Production Capacity
Warsak Dam, operated by WAPDA, is another critical dam in Pakistan close to Peshawar. The barrier has a water storage capacity of 25,300 acre-feet.
According to its history, dam construction took place in two phases. After the first phase, the dam could produce 40 MW of power by each unit with its four power-generating teams.
In 1981, however, the expansion project added two more units generating 41 MW each. It raised the dam’s capacity to approximately 240 Megawatts. However, in 2012 the authorities decided to extend this capacity to 525 Megawatts, but the plan wasn’t executed.
On Which River Warsak Dam Is Built?
The dam is situated on the Kabul River in northwest Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The river is one of the longest rivers in Pakistan and has a total length of 700 kilometers.
The river’s source is Central Asia, which flows through Afghanistan before entering Pakistan. The Kabul River joins the Indus River at Attock city in Punjab province.
Kabul river is a source of drinking water, hydropower, and irrigation, and the Warsak Dam is the dam that makes it even more possible.
When Was Warsak Dam Constructed?
The construction of the Warsak Dam took place in two phases; somehow, it didn’t completed in one go. The first phase started in 1957 and was completed in 1960. After that, however, the authorities decided on its expansion and renovation, and the construction team finally completed the work in 1980; the dam became fully functional the following year.
Still, there’s room for improvement, and soon the authorities will expand the dam to increase its capacity from 240 MW to 525 MW.
Attractions At Warsak Dam
The dam, one of the most important in Pakistan, has much to offer tourists. The place is exceptionally rich in scenic beauty and provides a perfect getaway from the scorching heat of summer.
Apart from that, Warsak Dam Pakistan also offers various recreational activities for tourists and locals. Some of them are mentioned below:
1. Multiple Canals
The dam has a total of five spillway canals. Three of them are on the right side of the main dam, while two others are on the left side. All these canals help in discharging floodwater flowing down from the Kabul river.
These canals are a source of tourism and entertainment as you can catch a breath near the fresh waters.
2. Cool Breezes
The place is quite famous for its calm and pleasant weather. The dam provides a perfect opportunity to escape the heat of Peshawar city in the summer. Families often come here for picnics and barbecues.
You’ll indeed feel delighted when the cool breeze passes through your hair, and you can have some me-time with a book you want to read!
3. Family Picnic Spot
Warsak Dam is quite famous among families as it provides a perfect picnic spot. The scenic beauty, cool weather, and freshwater canals make it an ideal place to spend quality time with family.
You can pack some food and enjoy a lovely day out! So next time you plan a day out with your family or friends, make sure it’s at the Warsak Dam.
4. Beautiful High Mountains
The dam is surrounded by high mountains, which makes the scenery even more mesmerizing. You can get lost in the beauty of nature and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the place.
Last but not least, put your camera to use and take some pictures of this oh-so-gorgeous landscape; you won’t regret returning with this memory.
What is the Purpose of The Warsak Dam?
The primary purpose of the Warsak Dam is to store water for irrigation and hydropower generation. The barrier can store up to 25,300 acre-feet (MAF) of water.
Warsak Dam has a right bank irrigation tunnel and a left bank irrigation conduit. The right bank has two canals with 44.2 miles and 27.26 miles, respectively. The left bank contains only one channel with a length of 18.4 miles.
It provides water for irrigation to over 22,000 square kilometers of agricultural land in the Peshawar, Mardan, and Nowshera districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The dam also generates hydropower with a capacity of 240 megawatts. In addition, the construction of the Warsak Dam has helped reduce floods in Peshawar city as it stores floodwater and releases it gradually.
Things to Do at Warsak Dam
If you’re wondering what you can do at a dam, Warsak Dam will clear all your confusion because it’s an ideal spot to spend a day. You can do a lot of fun activities, and your day will surely be full of fun! Let’s look at some of the favorite things to do at Warsak Dam.
1. Boating
The dam has a boating club which provides an opportunity to enjoy boating in the reservoir. In addition, you can take a boat ride and enjoy the scenic beauty of Warsak Dam.
It’s good to go with a group or family as it can make you enjoy the packages for boating and other activities!
2. Fishing
If you have ever enjoyed fishing, Warsak Dam is the place to be! You can try your luck fishing; you might catch a big one!
So prepare for fishing; you can bring your gear or get the rented one from the place.
3. Photography
The picturesque landscape of Warsak Dam is a photographer’s paradise. You can capture stunning shots of the mountains, rivers, canals, and lush green trees.
So if you’re an amateur or professional photographer, make sure to add this place to your list of must-visit places. Carry your camera with you and snap away!
Take Permission Before Visiting Warsak Dam
Warsak Dam Peshawar,,, Pakistan is a military area, and it’s essential to get permission before visiting it. However, you can contact the Pakistan Army unit located there, and they will guide you further about the process.
It’s advisable to take a guide with you as the place is quite huge and it’s easy to get lost. The guide will also be helpful in case of any emergency.
How to Reach Warsak Dam?
Warsak Dam is located about 20 kilometers from Peshawar city. You can take a taxi from Peshawar to the dam if you aren’t in your car.
The best way to reach Warsak Dam is by road as the place is not easily accessible by public transport. However, you can also take a private vehicle to get to the dam.
If you’re traveling from Lahore, it can take you almost 6 hours to reach the dam and nearly 3 hours from Islamabad.
Guest House for Night Stay
Warsak Dam has a guest house for a night stay, you can stay there, but first, you need to seek permission from WAPDA. The guest house has all the basic facilities, and it’s a good option if you’re planning to stay overnight.
Staying a night at this guest house is economical, and you won’t be paying high prices just because it’s a tourist destination. That’s the best thing about Warsak Dam.
How Much is the Distance to Warsak Dam from Peshawar?
The distance from Peshawar to the Warsak Dam is about 20 kilometers. So it will hardly take an hour to reach this location from Peshawar. You can take a taxi or a private vehicle to travel. The journey is quite pleasant because you’ll get to see amazing scenes on your way.
Ticket for a Boat Ride
One of the most fun things at Warsak Dam is to take a boat ride across the canal and enjoy the mesmerizing scenery. You’ll be surprised to know that the cost of this ride isn’t much; it’s pretty economical.
The ticket for the boat ride is available at the boating club, and it will cost you around PKR 400 per person. However, the ride is worth every penny as you’ll be able to enjoy the serene beauty of nature.
Timings of Warsak Dam
The timings of Warsak Dam are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Therefore, it’s a good idea to reach the place early so you can enjoy all the activities without any rush. You can also check the timings before visiting, to be sure.
Location of Warsak Dam
Warsak Dam is around 20 kilometers from the central city of Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It’s located on the Kabul river, a popular tourist destination in Pakistan.
If you’re planning to visit Peshawar, add this place to your list, as it’s worth a visit!
Warsak Dam is a beautiful place, and it’s worth a visit. This place has many things to do, from boating and fishing to photography and picnicking. You can also stay overnight at the guest house and enjoy the serene beauty of the place.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Warsak Dam and enjoy a memorable experience!