Completion of Nai Gaj Dam: Federal, Sindh governments told to ensure release of funds

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the federal and Sindh governments and WAPDA to ensure release of funds for the completion of Nai Gaj Dam. Justice Gulzar Ahmed, heading a three-judge bench, said that the Sindh government has most probably forgotten 2010 flood as all the rainwater is wasted in the sea. The bench heard Rasheed A Razvi's petition regarding hurdles in construction of Nai Gaj Dam.
Apart from serving as continuous flow of fresh water to Manchar lake, which will improve the ecology of the lake, Nai Gaj Dam will also serve as a lifeline for the people of this mountainous region in Dadu district with the potential of changing their socio-economic conditions. Planning Division, secretary Irrigation Department and Ministry of Law and Justice were ordered to file written replies.
The bench expressed concern over the delay in completion of Nai Gaj Dam, adding if it will not be constructed then again rainwater will fall into sea. The slope of the rainwater is towards Nai Gaj. Justice Gulzar remarked that the Sindh government does not have intention to construct dams in the province.
The deputy attorney general informed the bench that the federal government is ready to provide its share of funds. However, the Sindh government has delayed its funding. Justice Gulzar questioned whether there is no coordination between the federal and the Sindh government as the federal ministry says one thing while the provincial government has different point of view.
He said every year the funds are allocated for Nai Gaj Dam, but they are wasted. For the last 30 years the issue has been pending, he said, adding it is public interest project and, therefore, the Sindh government should resolve the issue at the earliest.
The case was adjourned for one month. The total cost of the dam is estimated at Rs 46 billion, while only Rs 16 billion have been released so far. Fifty-one percent work of the project has been completed but due to non-release of funds, the work is stopped. The court noted that Nai Gaj Dam should be completed as Rs 16 billion have already been spent on it.