Pakistan's Major Canals: The Backbone of the Indus Basin Irrigation System

Pakistan's canal network spans over 100,000 km, among the world's largest contiguous irrigation systems. Key main canals include:

1. Indus Main Canal (~295 km, 1946) – largest in Pakistan, serves Punjab, Sindh, KP.
2. Taunsa Barrage Canal (~144 km, 1958) – irrigation + hydropower.
3. Chashma Right Bank Canal (~164 km, 1972) – from Chashma Barrage to Punjab.
4. Upper Chenab Canal (~114 km, 1890) – diverts Chenab water to Punjab.
5. Lower Chenab Canal (~152 km, 1920) – extends Upper Chenab's reach.

Countless distributaries and minors deliver water to farms. The system supports >90% of Pakistan's agriculture but faces challenges: siltation, seepage losses, climate stress, and institutional management.