The Water and Power Development Authority Chairman Lieutenant General Muzammil Hussain (R) has expressed concern over the timelines set for completion of under-construction 969 MW-Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project. He has urged the project authorities to reconcile it with all stakeholders to meet the completion schedule of the project, which is of critical importance to overcome the energy crisis.
The new chairman visited the project located in the Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) after assuming his office last week. Member (Water) Engineer Muhammad Shoaib Iqbal also accompanied him during the visit. The chairman made a detailed inspection of the project and reviewed construction activities of the main dam, spillways, earth and rock-filled composite dam, diversion tunnel, de-sander and headrace tunnel.
He also visited the river-crossing area in the headrace tunnel and looked over the work for steel lining, tunnel excavation and concrete lining in the tunnel. A review of the construction activities at the switchyard, underground powerhouse and transformers hall was also part of the inspection.
He expressed satisfaction over the quality of construction works and appreciated skills of the engineers and the consultants. Meanwhile, WAPDA spokesman said the Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Company-a subsidiary of WAPDA-is constructing a world class underground power generation facility. The project envisages 90 percent construction work under high mountainous overburden and only 10 percent above the ground. On its completion, the project will contribute 5.15 billion units of low-cost and environment friendly electricity to the system each year.