KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said effective water management is a strategic priority for the province.

He said this during a visit to the world-renowned Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China on Monday, where he was briefed on Chinese experience in hydroelectric power generation, flood control, water storage and river management.

According to a press release issued by the CM House here, the chief minister toured various sections of the dam and received a detailed briefing from Chinese officials on the planning, construction and operation of the world’s largest hydroelectric power station.

Accompanied by provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Jam Khan Shoro, Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar and others, the chief minister termed the Three Gorges Dam an engineering marvel.

Visits Three Gorges Dam on Yangtze River in China; calls for exploring innovative solutions for water storage, flood mitigation

He was informed that the project, 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.

Mr 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 received substantial seasonal flows through the Indus River system but possessed 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.

Mr 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.

He 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, said the press release.

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.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2026