Diamer-Bhasha & Dasu dams: PM asks Wapda to start construction activities at once

Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) to immediately start construction activities of the Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams as water security was the foremost priority of the present government.

While chairing a briefing on national water security strategy and construction of dams to meet agricultural as well as energy requirements of the country on Monday, the prime minister stated that besides optimum utilization of the available water resources for agricultural needs, construction of dams in the country would help meet energy requirements at affordable rate.

The prime minister directed that use of local material and expertise be accorded priority during the construction work, which will provide huge job opportunities to our people.

It will also boost construction and related industry and provide a huge stimulus to our economy.

The chairman Wapda briefed the meeting about progress on ongoing construction of Mohmand Dam that has started recently.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the speed of work and with regard to progress on resolution of all pending issues related to construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam.

He was told that as per the directions, all issues related to this critically important project, including settlement, detailed roadmap for mobilization of financial resources etc., have been resolved, and the project was ready for commencement of physical work.

The meeting was informed that Diamer-Bhasha project had remained stuck for decades due to various reasons.

The construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam will create 16,500 jobs and utilize huge quantity of cement and steel, which will give boost to our industry besides its main purpose of water storage and producing 4,500 MW of cheap and affordable electricity for meeting energy requirements of the country.

The meeting was further told that the 6.4 MAF water storage capacity of the dam will reduce the current water shortage in the country of 12 MAF to 6.1 MAF.

It will add 35 years to the life of Tarbela dam by reducing sedimentation.

An area of 1.23 million acres of land will be brought under agriculture due to this dam.

It was informed that an amount of Rs78.5 billion will be spent for social development of the area around Diamer-Bhasha Dam as part of the project.

It will also be a major source of flood mitigation and save billions worth of damages caused by floods each year, the official added.

The prime minister was also apprised of the progress on resolution of pending issued related to Dasu Dam project.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far, and directed to ensure expeditious commencement of the critical Dasu project.

The prime minister was briefed that funds have been arranged for Noulong Dam, District Jhal Magsi, Balochistan and that the work will commence next year.

The prime minister emphasized on starting Sindh Barrage as a priority project.

Sindh Barrage has huge benefits of addressing agriculture needs of the province, it will stop erosion of soil from sea water, and also improve drinking water situation for urban centers of Sindh.

The prime minister acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Water Resources and the Wapda for pursuing projects passionately, to realize our dream of self-reliance in food security, industry, and exports.

He also reiterated his emphasis on keeping a close watch on quality of work and meeting the timelines.

The meeting was attended by the Minister for Water Resources, Mohammad Faisal Vawda, Minister for Planning Asad Umar, Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur, Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) for Information Lt Gen Asim Bajwa (retired), Chairman Wapda Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain (retired), and other senior officers.