The Deosai water diversion plan is a proposal to divert water from the Shatung River in the Deosai National Park to the Satpara Dam.
The Deosai water diversion plan is a proposal to divert water from the Shatung River in the Deosai National Park to the Satpara Dam. The dam is located near Skardu, the capital of the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.
The plan is intended to increase the power generation capacity of the Satpara Dam and to provide water for domestic, industrial, and public use in Skardu and the surrounding villages. However, the plan has been met with opposition from environmental groups who argue that it would damage the ecology of the Deosai National Park.
The environmental impact of the Deosai water diversion plan is a complex issue. Some experts argue that the diversion would have a significant impact on the park’s ecology, while others believe that the impact would be minimal.
The Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), which is responsible for the project, has stated that the diversion will be done in a way that minimizes environmental impact.
The Deosai water diversion plan is a controversial issue. There are strong arguments on both sides of the debate. It is important to weigh the potential benefits of the project against the potential environmental costs before making a decision about whether or not to proceed.
Deosai water diversion plan
The plan is intended to increase the power generation capacity of the Satpara Dam and to provide water for domestic, industrial, and public use in Skardu and the surrounding villages.
The potential benefits of the Deosai water diversion plan for the Satpara Dam include:
- Increased power generation capacity: The Satpara Dam is currently capable of generating 17.36 MW of electricity. The diversion of water from the Shatung River could increase the dam’s power generation capacity by up to 10-15%.
- Increased availability of water: The Satpara Dam is currently used to provide water for domestic, industrial, and public use in Skardu and the surrounding villages. The diversion of water from the Shatung River could increase the availability of water for these uses.
- Reduced water scarcity: The region around Skardu is facing a growing problem of water scarcity.The diversion of water from the Shatung River could help to reduce water scarcity in the region.
It is important to note that there are also potential environmental costs associated with the Deosai water diversion plan. These costs include:
- Damage to the Deosai National Park: The Deosai National Park is a high-altitude plateau in the Karakoram Mountains. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including snow leopards, ibex, and markhor. The diversion of water from the Shatung River could damage the park’s ecology.
- Reduced water availability for downstream users: The Shatung River is also used by downstream users, including farmers and communities. The diversion of water from the Shatung River could reduce the amount of water available for these users.
The stakeholders
The key stakeholders include:
- The government of Pakistan: The government is responsible for approving the Deosai water diversion plan. The government will need to weigh the potential benefits of the project against the potential environmental costs before making a decision.
- The Water and Power Development Authority: WAPDA is the government agency responsible for developing and managing water resources in Pakistan. WAPDA will be responsible for implementing the Deosai water diversion plan.
- The people of Skardu: The people of Skardu are the primary beneficiaries of the Deosai water diversion plan. The plan will provide water for domestic, industrial, and public use in Skardu.
- The environmental groups: Environmental groups are concerned about the potential environmental impact of the Deosai water diversion plan. They argue that the plan could damage the ecology of the Deosai National Park.
- The downstream users: The downstream users are the people and communities who live downstream from the Shatung River. The diversion of water from the Shatung River could reduce the amount of water available for these users.
Shatung river importance for Satpara Dam
The Shatung River is an important tributary of the Satpara Dam. It is located in the Deosai National Park, a high-altitude plateau in the Karakoram Mountains. The river provides water for the Satpara Dam, which is a hydroelectric power plant that generates electricity for the Skardu region of Pakistan.
The Shatung River is also an important source of water for the Deosai National Park. The park is home to a variety of wildlife. The river provides water for these animals and helps to maintain the park’s ecosystem.
The Shatung River is important for the Satpara Dam because the river provides water for the dam’s reservoir, its flow helps to regulate the dam’s power generation capacity, and the river’s sediment helps to protect the dam’s foundation.
The Shatung River is also important for the Deosai National Park because it provides water for the park’s wildlife, helps to maintain the park’s ecosystem, and provides a scenic backdrop for the park.
Shatung River annual flow
The Shatung River has an average annual flow of 200 million cubic meters (mcm). This means that the river could potentially provide up to 200 mcm of water to the Satpara Dam.
However, the amount of water that could actually be diverted to the dam would depend on a number of factors, including the location of the diversion point, the size of the diversion tunnel, and the environmental impact of the project.
According to a 2018 study by the WAPDA, the Shatung River could provide up to 3 m3/s of water to the Satpara Dam. This would increase the dam’s power generation capacity by 10-15% and provide water for domestic, industrial, and public use in Skardu and the surrounding villages.
Ideal diversion plan
The ideal diversion plan for the Shatung River for the Satpara Dam would be one that minimizes the environmental impact of the project while still providing the desired benefits. This would involve careful planning and execution of the project, as well as monitoring of the environmental impact after the project is completed.
The key considerations for an ideal diversion plan would include:
- The location of the diversion point: The diversion point should be located in a way that minimizes the impact on the river’s flow and sediment transport.
- The size of the diversion tunnel: The diversion tunnel should be sized to allow the desired amount of water to be diverted to the Satpara Dam.
- The lining of the diversion tunnel: The diversion tunnel should be lined to prevent erosion and contamination of the water.
- The monitoring of the environmental impact: The environmental impact of the project should be monitored after the project is completed to ensure that the desired benefits are being achieved without unacceptable environmental impacts.
Some additional considerations for an ideal diversion plan are:
- The use of sustainable construction methods: The diversion tunnel should be constructed using sustainable methods that minimize the environmental impact of the project.
- The use of environmental impact mitigation measures: The diversion plan should include measures to mitigate the environmental impact of the project, such as the construction of fish ladders to allow fish to pass through the diversion tunnel.
- The involvement of local communities: The diversion plan should involve local communities to ensure that their concerns are addressed and that they benefit from the project.
Ideal location for diversion
One possible location for the diversion point would be at the confluence of the Shatung River and the Satpara Nullah. This location would allow for a large amount of water to be diverted to the Satpara Dam, and it would also minimize the impact on the river’s flow and sediment transport.
However, this location would also be close to the Deosai National Park, and it is possible that the diversion of water could have a negative impact on the park’s ecology.
Another possible location for the diversion point would be further upstream, near the source of the Shatung River. This location would be further away from the Deosai National Park, and it is possible that the diversion of water would have less of an impact on the park’s ecology. However, this location would also be more difficult to access, and it would require a longer diversion tunnel.
Conclusion
The environmental impact of the Deosai water diversion plan is a complex issue, and there is no easy answer to the question of whether or not the project should proceed. However, by carefully planning and executing the project, it is possible to minimize the impact on the Shatung River and the Deosai National Park.
There are strong arguments on both sides of the debate. It is important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential costs before making a decision. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to proceed with the Deosai water diversion plan is a political one. The government of Pakistan will need to weigh the potential benefits against the potential costs before making a decision.