Generation of hydro power key to economic growth, which is a cheap source of electricity. The government would have to create consensus for the early construction of water reservoirs", said Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ijaz A Mumtaz in a statement on Tuesday.
"The Kalabagh dam is the most suitable project for the national economy since it will not only produce cheap and sufficient electricity but also avert the human tragedies like Tharparkar. Nearly Rs 132 billion could be saved annually with the construction of Kalabagh Dam," he said. The government should constitute a team of experts belonging to the public and private sectors to convince all the provinces that the Kalabagh Dam is necessary for the progress and prosperity of the country. The experts have already proved that there is no threat to Nowshehra city since it is 150 feet above the water level."
He also said the Kalabagh Dam was not only beneficial to the Punjab alone but also more helpful in erasing poverty from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since it would irrigate 800,000 acres of cultivable land located 100-150 feet above the Indus River level in the province.
The Chamber president said the country's dependence on power generated through thermal sources is already costing way too much causing to face insurmountable challenges to remain competitive both in national and international markets. "Another significant aspect connected with the construction of the Kalabagh Dam is the surety of sufficient amount of greener and cheaper electricity. Electricity generation through thermal sources is estimated to cost almost Rs 16 per unit whereas the same can be produced at Rs 2.5 to Rs.3 through hydel," he said.
"The present scenario leads to import oil worth over $ 12 billion a year which is costing us dearly while causing to face insurmountable challenges to remain competitive both in national and international markets."
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