Chashma Barrage. 22/03/96; Punjab; 34,099 ha; 32°25'N 071°22'E. Wildlife Sanctuary. A storage reservoir on the Indus River supporting various aquatic plants. Up to 200,000 waterbirds of numerous species use the site for staging and wintering. An especially important staging area in spring and autumn for cranes. Over 50 species of birds, some of which are globally endangered, use the site for breeding. The site is used as storage for irrigation water, electricity generation, livestock grazing, reed harvesting, and fishing. Planned dam construction upstream would affect the water regime, limiting the site's use for water storage. Ramsar site no. 816.