User:Sigmoid01/sandbox/Namal Lake

History
Before the construction of dam, in the Westernmost extent of Salt Range, two hill torrents Lawa (Tarapi) and Golar had a confluence near the town of Namal forming a perennial stream named Wahi (Vehi ) that used to flow southward in a two miles long and 150 feet deep gorge made of limestone rock. In 1910, Sir Louis Dane Lieutenant Governor of Punjab decided to construct a dam at this site so that scarcity of water for drinking and irrigation in the dry season could be alleviated. E.A. Bellasis of Punjab Irrigation Branch who had retired by then, was assigned the task for investigation and survey of the area for the proposal of dam site. Excavation and construction of dam at a proposed site began in September of 1911. Stone for the lining of channel for canal supply was brought from Hassan Abdal. The dam was completed in October 1913. On December 2, 1913, the Governor General Sir Michael O'Dwyer inaugurated the dam which had a total cost of Rs.365,241 (£219,000 ). The dam was initially named as Dane dam in honor of Sir Louis Dane and later, it was renamed as Namal Dam.

Natural Events

 * In 2001, the lake dried up amid drought conditions prevailing throughout country. It was the first instance of this kind in the last 100 years.
 * In August 2015, nearby settlements upstream in north eastern and south eastern part of catchment area, including Rikhi, Namal, Nandhi, Bhamgeranwala, Dhiba Karsal and Kalri, were flooded because the lake had filled beyond its capacity in the Monsoon as a result of rain and hill torrents. When the reservoir was discharged, the downstream settlements including Musakhel town near Namal Canal were also threatened by flooding.

Ecology
Namal Lake and its surroundings are hot spots for a diverse range of birds. It is an important wintering and staging area for a number of migratory birds. Major populations of House Crow, Eurasian coot, Common Pochard, Mallard, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Dabchick, Northern Shoveler, Black-winged stilt, Common Myna and other birds have been observed here.