The project was a response to the need for flood control, water impoundment and electrical generation. Work was halted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, but after the regional government approved a resumption at the end of March, more than 3,000 engineers and workers returned to their jobs.

With the completion of the main part of the dam, the structure can control floods, and the Yarkant bid farewell to the inundations that have had an adverse impact on the environment around the river.

Construction of the dam's water impoundment reservoir will be a new focus, and the first generating equipment is expected to begin providing power by the end of August.