HUB DAM KARACHI

Hub dam, a picnic spot in Karachi with lush green hills, peaceful green alleys, a freshwater reservoir, and tranquility of the countryside. It is an absolute delight to people who seek a break from their fast-paced life in a metropolitan city.

Hub Dam

Hub Dam is located 45 Km from northeast Karachi and it takes 2-3 hours to drive here. While driving on the northern bypass, breathtaking serenity, grass-capped hills, tree covered alleys seems a different world for the residents of Karachi. Apart from the unusual drive, the destination itself is a sight to behold. The spectacular landscape of water, small islands, forests, farms, and green belts around the dam catchment area gives you a feel of a hill station. It’s a cherry on the top If you are traveling on a rainy day.

About Hub Dam

Hub Dam is the third largest dam in Pakistan in terms of storage capacity. It is located at the border of Sindh and Balochistan but mainly in the Lasbela district, Balochistan. 

Hub Dam’s preliminary construction began in September 1963 and was finished in June 1981. It was constructed across the River Hub. The project’s goal was to build a storage reservoir for controlling the Hub River’s flows to provide irrigation releases and municipal, industrial, and water supply to Karachi in Sindh and Lasbela District in Balochistan.

Since the Hub Dam’s beneficiaries are spread throughout the two provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, it is an interprovincial project. The project’s capital expense is Rs. 1191.806 million (excluding interest charges). The dam is an earthen dam, with a catchment area of 3410 sq miles and a reservoir area is 29.06 sq miles. The lifetime of the dam is 75 years.

On July 17, 2022, the Hub Dam water level capacity reached its maximum capacity of 339.15 ft, and Wapda shared the good news with the residents and all the stakeholders that water supply storage for the next 3 years is sufficient.

Hub Dam Accessibility

To get to Hub dam Karachi, take super highway M9 and exit to take M10 – Quetta / Gawadar Road. When you reach the Hamdard intersection (Hamdard Chowki), turn right or take the road towards Hamdard University. From here onwards the one-way road with few bumpy patches will lead you to the Hub Dam. Don’t forget to use google navigation here to avoid any inconvenience.

Attractions

There are plenty of attractions at the spot to make your picnic day unforgettable. You can explore the following spots to enjoy your hub dam picnic to the fullest.

Hub Dam- Reservoir and spillways

Entry is not always permitted here, but whenever it is allowed you should try to get inside the dam premises while adhering to the officials’ instructions. The reservoir and spillway view is amazing. The picturesque beauty of the dam structure is a must-see, so keep it on your list as one of the Hub Dam picnic points.

Hub Dam Canal

While driving towards the dam, you will come across the Hub Dam canal. Many people enjoy swimming and fishing here. You can also opt for taking a dip or taking out a fish.

Wildlife Sanctuary

Owing to the dense wildlife presence in the region, the surrounding area of Hub Dam was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 by Sindh Government. The sanctuary is home to many other birds, mammals, and reptiles including urial, Sindh ibex, Four-horned antelope, Indian wolf, Golden jackal, Bengal fox, Indian pangolin, pelicans, ducks, cranes, and waders. You can find many picnic spots across the sanctuary.

Kirthar National Park

Kirthar national park can be accessed through the road near Abdullah Goth in the suburbs of Hub dam. Kirthar national park aids the secure growth of wildlife in the area. In Kirthar National Park you can watch the various species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. According to a Geographic survey, the park has 36-40 mammals, 58-65 birds, and, 20 reptile species. The mammal species count is 36-40, the bird species are 58-65, and the reptile specie count is 20. 

Kirthar National Park Resthouse

Add the flavor of adventure to your visit and do some off-roading to discover the resthouse in Kirthar National Park. It is built on a hilltop and offers a panoramic view of the park, with a great site for camping as well.

For a picnic spot distinct from the regular tourist spots in Karachi,spare a day for Hub Dam, right next to Karachi, yet poles apart from life in Karachi.

 

Wapda Resthouse

Standing aloof amidst the hills, this resthouse is a worth-watching Hub Dam picnic point. The beautiful castle-like structure of the rest house is an appealing spot for photography.

Recommendations for the visitors

• Visit the site in winter, as Hub dam weather is pleasant from October to April
• Families are recommended to travel in daylight 
• As the region is full of wildlife, be cautious for your safety
• The dam timing is 8 AM to 5 PM
• Entry to the dam site is free of cost
• Keep a sufficient supply of water and eatables when you go to the wildlife sanctuary or national park.

Activities at the Hub Dam

You can indulge yourself in a range of activities including

Hiking 

As the terrain in this region is hilly, avail the rare opportunity of hiking in Karachi.

Fishing

An ample amount of freshwater fish is found in Hub Dam. You can see fishermen fishing all around the dam and canal. Keep your fishing gear with you to try your luck. The fish Bam, Mulla, Ruho, and Silver are found in abundance here.

Swimming

 Immerse yourself in the cool sweet waters of the Hub dam canal and beat the heat.

Off-Roading

Whether you are alone or with a group of friends, off-roading and exploring the unexplored places in the Hub Dam surroundings will be great fun. 

Camping

Throughout the wildlife sanctuary, many sites are feasible for camping. You can also peg your tent at a feasible site to feast in the forest. 

Sightseeing

Hub dam offers an unusual combination of sand, hills, canal, wildlife, farms, and forest. Delve into each bit of nature to have the time of your life.

FAQs

Where is Hub Dam located?

Hub dam is located in Hub town, 56 km away from Karachi in Lasbela district, at the border of Sind and Balochistan.

What is the purpose of Hub Dam?

Hub dam was built on the Hub river to mainly secure water supply for industrial, irrigation, and domestic usage in Karachi, Sindh, and Lasbela  Balochistan. The project is located at the border of the two provinces and both provinces are beneficiaries.

When was Hub Dam completed?

Hub Dam’s preliminary construction began in September 1963 and was finished in June 1981. It was constructed across the River Hub.

How much electricity does Hub Dam produce?

As per official documents by Wapda, Hub Dam has the ability to generate power upto 1.4MW. This power generation can be fulfilled using two power plant units of 0.7MW each. However, no official information can be tracked down about the current production of electricity at Hub Dam.

How deep is the Hub Dam?

The depth of Hub Dam is reported as 339.15 ft. 

How many Dams are present in Pakistan?

The number of dams in Pakistan is reported to be 150. The most number of these dams are located in KPK and Punjab.

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