BRB Canal History and Significance

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The Bambanwala-Ravi-Bedian (BRB) Canal, also known as the Ichogil Canal in Indian references, is a man made waterway in Pakistan. Originating from the Upper Chenab Canal (also known as Nandipur canal), near Bambanwala village, west of Daska, BRB Canal flows southeastward, running parallel to the India-Pakistan border before merging with the Sutlej River near Kanganpur, approximately 100 kilometers south of Lahore. Total length of BRB canal is around 200 Km.

Constructed in 19481, the it was a proactive measure by the citizens of Lahore to fortify the city against potential future invasions. Responding to an appeal by the then Chief Minister of Punjab, Iftikhar Hussein, the local populace undertook the monumental task of digging the 8-kilometer canal without monetary compensation, completing it within a few days. the canal passing through Lahore, commonly known as the Lahore Canal, originates from the Bambawali-Ravi-Bedian (BRB) Canal.

BRB Canal

BRB Canal and Indo-Pak War of 1965

The BRB Canal played a pivotal role during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. As Indian forces advanced towards Lahore, the Pakistani army demolished all but eight bridges over the canal, effectively delaying the Indian military’s progress and providing crucial time for defensive preparations.

Major Aziz Bhatti, who was honored with the country’s highest military award, Nishan-e-Haider, for his bravery, embraced martyrdom during combat near the this canal in the 1965 war.

Irrigation and Agricultural Significance

The BRB Canal has been instrumental in supporting the agriculture sector of Punjab. By channeling water to fertile lands, it has sustained agricultural activities, particularly in regions surrounding Lahore. The canal’s continuous water supply has been vital for crop irrigation, contributing to the province’s agricultural productivity.

This Canal passes underneath the Ravi River through a siphon structure near Lahore. This siphon allows it to cross beneath the Ravi River without mixing water flows. Such structures are specifically designed to enable two water bodies to cross paths while maintaining separate flows, ensuring that the canal’s irrigation functions remain unaffected by the river above.

BRB canal, Pakistan

Pollution and Neglect of BRB Canal

In recent years, however, the canal has unfortunately become a dumping ground2 due to sewage discharge and the disposal of household waste from nearby localities, including Jallo Mor and Attoke Awan. Given the considerable depth of the this Canal, waste isn’t easily noticeable when water is flowing. But once the canal flow is halted, it becomes clear that the canal is slowly transforming into a severely polluted drain, a situation exacerbated by inadequate desilting efforts from the relevant authorities.

Areas through which it passes

BRB canal passes through or near the following villages / towns:

  1. Bambanawala (Sialkot)
  2. Mallianwala
  3. Daska city
  4. Bheroke Kalan
  5. Lurhiki
  6. Manjipur
  7. Dhirke
  8. Mianwali Bangla
  9. Changi
  10. Bhagat Pur
  11. Sodagar Pur
  12. Malokey
  13. Gharyal Kalan
  14. Mehta Suja
  15. Chakrali
  16. Mandiali
  17. Kala Khatai
  18. Sidhan Wali
  19. Dhodea
  20. Bhaini (Lahore)
  21. Mandila
  22. Wahgrian
  23. Attoke Awan
  24. Dograe Kalan
  25. Jallo Morr
  26. Khaira
  27. Wara
  28. Padri
  29. Barki
  30. Karbath
  31. Heir
  32. Kirka
  33. Bedian (Kasur)
  34. Chathian Wala
  35. Leel
  36. Waighal
  37. Theh Panwan
  38. Tergay
  39. Katlohi Kalan
  40. Nathu Wala
  41. Patto Kalan
  42. Bhedian Khanpur
  43. Ganda Singh Wala
  44. Burj Kalan
  45. Mian Wala
  46. Mahalam Khurd
  47. Hussain Khan Wala
  48. Gohar Hithar
  49. Baqarke
  50. Khurram Hithar
  51. Jodh Jattan
  52. Mahalam
  53. Gohar Jagir
  54. Kili Sokal
  55. Dhirajke
  56. Janga Singh Wala
  57. Tibbi Mehtab Singh
  58. Mokal
  59. Kanganpur

References:

  1. Daily Pakistan Newspaper ↩︎
  2. Tribune.com ↩︎

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