ISLAMABAD: The construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams will start during the current fiscal year 2018-19, the WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority) informed Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retd) Nasir-ul-Mulk on Monday.
During a briefing here at the PM Office, WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Muzammil Hussain informed the prime minister about the issues related to water in the country.
The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the measures taken by WAPDA in hydro-power sector and stressed concerted efforts to overcome the impending water crisis.
Mulk was informed that Diamer Basha Dam Project had a gross water storage capacity of 8.1 MAF and power generation capacity of 4500 MW. Likewise, Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project will store 1.2 MAF water and generate 800 MW electricity.
The 1410 MW- Tarbela 5th extension, the 2160 MW-Stage II of Dasu, the 7100 MW-Bunji and the stage II of multipurpose Kurram Tangi Dam among the ready-for-construction projects.
The WAPDA chairman said WAPDA completed four mega projects from August 2017 onwards to irrigate 72,000 acres of virgin land in Dera Bugti, Balochistan and add 2487 MW of hydel electricity to the National Grid.
He said the projects included Phase 1 of Kachhi Canal, Golen Gol, Tarbela 4th extension and Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project.
PM Mulk was apprised that stage 1 of Kurram Tangi Dam Project would be completed in 2020, while the 2160 MW – Stage 1 of Dasu Hydropower Project was scheduled to start electricity generation by 2023.
The Armed Forces of Pakistan have also announced to contribute to the construction of the dams.
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor on his official Twitter account said, the officers of Pak Army will contribute to the construction of Diamer-Basha and Mohmand Dam Fund.
Pakistan Armed Forces contributing to Diamer-Basha & Mohmand Dam Fund. Officers of Pak Army, Navy and Air Force will contribute their 2 days’ pay while soldiers one day’s pay to the announced fund for this national cause. #DamsForPakistan????????
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) July 9, 2018
The fund was recently announced by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Saqib Nisar who vowed to the nation that he will not let anyone misappropriate the funds being collected for construction of dams to resolve the country’s prevailing water crisis.
