Water storage: Sindh CM visits Three Gorges Dam to study Chinese model

YICHANG (China): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the world-renowned Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River on Monday, where he was briefed on China’s experience in hydroelectric power generation, flood control, water storage and river management.

Leading a high-level Sindh delegation, comprising provincial ministers – Sharjeel Inam memon, Jam Khan Shoro, Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar, Special Assistant to CM Syed Qasim Naveed, and senior officers, the chief minister toured various sections of the dam and received a detailed presentation from Chinese officials on the planning, construction and operation of the world’s largest hydroelectric power station.

Officials informed the delegation that the Three Gorges Dam, completed in 2012 after nearly two decades of construction, has an installed power generation capacity of 22,500 megawatts and produces more than 100 terawatt-hours of electricity annually. Besides generating clean energy, the project plays a critical role in flood control and inland navigation along the Yangtze River.

During the briefing, the chief minister showed particular interest in the dam’s integrated approach to water storage, flood regulation and real-time hydrological monitoring systems.

Murad Ali Shah said Sindh faced increasing challenges arising from climate change, including devastating floods during monsoon seasons and water shortages during dry periods, making effective water management a strategic priority for the province.

“The experience of the Three Gorges Dam demonstrates how modern engineering, technology and long-term planning can transform water resources into engines of economic development, energy security and climate resilience,” he said.

The chief minister noted that Sindh receives substantial seasonal flows through the Indus River system but possesses limited capacity to conserve surplus water for future agricultural, municipal and industrial use.

“We must explore innovative solutions for water storage, flood mitigation and irrigation management to ensure sustainable development and water security for future generations,” he added.

Murad Ali Shah said the Sindh government would examine opportunities for applying relevant aspects of China’s water management model, particularly in areas such as reservoir operation, flood forecasting, sediment management and freshwater storage.

The chief minister also discussed the importance of protecting the Indus Delta and preventing seawater intrusion in coastal areas of Sindh, stressing that future water infrastructure projects must balance development needs with environmental sustainability.

“Any strategy for water conservation must safeguard the ecological requirements of the Indus Delta while enhancing agricultural productivity and protecting vulnerable communities from floods and droughts,” he said.

He directed officials accompanying the delegation to study Chinese best practices in hydrological monitoring, smart reservoir operations and integrated river basin management for possible adaptation in Sindh.

The visit formed part of the chief minister’s week-long official tour of China aimed at strengthening cooperation in infrastructure, investment, technology, education and sustainable development.

Chinese officials expressed their willingness to share technical expertise and experiences in water resource management and climate adaptation, while both sides discussed opportunities for future institutional cooperation in these areas.

Following the briefing, the delegation visited observation points overlooking the dam and its navigation system before returning to Wuhan for the next phase of the official programme.

The Chief Minister visited the Three Gorges Dam Museum, where he was shown a documentary depicting the construction of the dam, the arrival and departure of cargo ships, and other maritime traffic.

Being an engineer by profession, Murad Ali Shah described the dam as an engineering marvel.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026