Suki Kinari Hydropower Project, Hydropower dam in Kaghan Valley, Pakistan
Suki Kinari is a run-of-the-river power station located in the Kaghan Valley that harnesses water from the Kunhar River in Mansehra District. The facility uses four Pelton turbines and channels water through an underground tunnel system to generate electricity without creating a large reservoir.
Planning for the project began in 1960, but construction did not start until 2017 after extensive feasibility studies by international engineering firms. This long timeline reflects how hydropower projects require careful planning and environmental assessment before moving forward.
The project demonstrates how Pakistan is shifting toward cleaner energy sources to meet growing power demands across the country. By harnessing river flow rather than creating a large reservoir, it reduces the need to displace communities for traditional dam projects.
The project is situated in a mountainous region with challenging terrain, making general access difficult for casual visitors. Those interested in the area should hire local guides and check on weather and road conditions before traveling.
Water travels through a 19-kilometer-long underground tunnel before reaching the turbines, making construction technically complex and hidden from view. This concealed tunnel is why visitors will not see an obvious dam structure like those at conventional hydropower plants.
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