Khasala Dam

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A small water reservior. Khasala Dam
The dam was designed to irrigate 2240 acres of land with irrigation requirement of 2.76 million cubic meter (MCM) at 140% cropping intensity. The inflow-outflow data of the dam showed that the inflow has been greater or almost equal to the outflow except during the years 2000 and 2002 since its completion. This was due to relatively less rainfall during these years. However, during 1997 and 1998, the inflow was much greater than the outflow. Maximum inflow was obtained during July-August and maximum releases were also obtained during these months. There was no inflow during November-December. During May and June, outflow was greater than inflow. This was due to hot weather conditions and lack of rainfall during these months. The rainfall data was not available at the dam site however, the inflow data also reflect the rainfall pattern in the area. The total average annual inflow is 2.574 MCM, whereas, average annual outflow is 1.761 MCM. This shows that available irrigation supply from the dam is less than the designed irrigation requirement of 2.76 MCM. Therefore, the available water can only irrigate 1429 acres of land (63%) against designed area of 2240 acres. However, if releases are made according to inflow in the dam, more area can be brought under cultivation and cropping intensity can be increased.

The Potohar region is considered by experts to be most suitable for fish production in Pakistan due to its ideal atmosphere, abundance of rainwater and natural depressions. The Rawalpindi district has eight small water reservoirs — Dongi Dam, Dhoke Sandaymar Dam, Khasala Dam, Nadali Dam, Misriot Dam, Faleena Dam, Oghan Dam and Jawa Dam. According to the Punjab Fisheries Department, the annual production of fish in the Potohar region is at least 1,000 kilograms per kanal. “The annual production of fish from eight dams is more than 4,000 tonnes, which is exported to different countries. However, the fish produced in these dams is not satisfactory as far as the ideal climate and the atmosphere of Potohar region is concerned.

(Chhanno)