Chashma Right Bank Canal
Monitoring the environmental and socio-economic impacts of large-scale irrigation projects in Pakistan's Damaan region
Regional Context
Damaan was once the gateway to India due to its numerous mountain passes connecting Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the subcontinent.
Multi-ethnic region with Siraiki, Baloch, and Pakhtoon communities.
Now facing environmental challenges from massive irrigation projects threatening local ecosystems.
Mega Irrigation Projects
Chashma Right Bank (CRBIP)
274 km canal system irrigating 606,000 acres
Gomal Zam Dam (GZDP)
437 ft dam producing 17.4 MW electricity
Kachhi Canal (KCP)
500 km canal under Vision-2025 plan
Development Induced Destruction
Flood Channel Blockage
200+ natural flood channels disrupted
Community Displacement
50+ villages facing relocation
Sedimentation Issues
750M tons annual silt deposition
Legal Violations
Inadequate compensation for land acquisition
These projects have brought irreversible damage to traditional farming practices and regional ecosystems, threatening the livelihoods of over 200,000 residents. Immediate action is required to address these consequences.