Introduction
Khanpur Dam and Lake are a popular tourist destination. Built on
the Haro River close to the Khanpur village in Haripur District of Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, it lies at a short distance
of 40 Kms from the Federal Capital, Islamabad, Pakistan. Khanpur Dam is a significant
water source for Taxila, Haripur, Islamabad and Wah. It is also a water
providing source for the agricultural and industrial reason in these cities.
History
The dam was constructed by Ayub Khan in 80s and was completed in
1983. Khanpur Dam is 167 feet high and has a capacity to store 110,000 acres of
water. Dam construction is considered as
a political scoring point by Ayub Khan with Raja Erij Zaman, former chief of
Gakhars. The ancestors of the local
Gakhar Rajputs were awarded with a lot of land from the vicinity of Khanpur dam
for their assistance in battle with the Sikhs during the British Regime in 19th
century. However, Awans and the farmers
of the local area were left out from their land due to the involvement of
Gakhars. The local Gakhar Rajputs were given money as compensation for their
local lands on which Ayub Khan announced the plan to construct the Khanpur Dam.
Sightseeing and Interesting Activities
The well-known historic places such as Sirkap, Gandhara
Civilization, Taxila Museum of Gandhara Civilization can be explored on the way
to Khanpur Dam. People from the nearby vicinity come here especially during the
summers to enjoy motor boating, pedal boating, fishing, swimming and diving.
Yearly Sports Festival
Khanpur Dam Lake features a yearly airborne and waterborne
sports gala by the Sarhad Tourism Corporation.
Getting to Khanpur Dam
Getting around Khanpur dam is not difficult. Turn to the right
side of the road just before the Taxila underpass when coming from Rawalpindi.
This will lead you to 15-20 minutes of drive. For a convenient ride to the
Khanpur Dam, you can opt for the car rental in Islamabad agencies.
Conclusion
Khanpur Dam and Lake has become a popular tourist
attraction for the people of Rawalpindi, Taxila, Islamabad, Hassan Abdal and
Wah. The touring families from these areas come to visit the lake to enjoy
picnic and boating. The establishment of an adventure club also adds to the
charm of Khanpur dam and lake.
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