The minister expressed these views in a meeting on the construction of Diamer Bhasha, Dasu, ThaKot and Pattan Dams. The meeting was attended by Chairman WAPDA, Naveed Asghar, Chairman NHA, Khurram Agha, Secretary Water Resources Kazim Niaz and other officials concerned. During the meeting, Khurshid Shah also expressed anger over the non-participation of MD Nespak Pak in the meeting. The meeting was informed that it is a matter of concern that of the four dams so far the NHA has not made any feasibility study of any other connecting road except Karakorum Highway (KKH) up to the feasibility of a highway. The four dams come on the Karakoram Highway, but the work of upgrading this most important highway could not begin, WAPDA officials said. Work on the 24km link road of Thor Nullah Bypass of Diamer Bhasha Dam has not started yet, the official said. On February 2, this year it was decided that NHA would complete the road by June 30, 2022, the official added.
Khurshid Shah says delay will cause severe water crisis in country
WAPDA has already paid the required amount to the concerned departments for the construction of this road but now it is being informed that it will require another eight months for the completion of the road. Federal Minister Khurshid Shah lashed out at the concerned agencies for slow pace of work on the construction of dams. If construction of water resources is not completed on time, the country will face severe water crisis, the minister said. The development of water resources are the lifeline of the nation and the country cannot afford a moment’s delay or negligence in the construction of these reserves, Syed Khurshid Shah said, adding that it is a matter of national security. “We are here for a year, but we will work on a war footing to resolve the issue,” Syed Khurshid Shah said. The minister directed to immediately conduct feasibility of tunnel to be constructed on Diamer Bhasha Dam. About the time of the completion of tunnel, the minister asked how much time it will take and how much it will cost. Khursheed Shah directed all the concerned departments to consult Nespak and inform immediately regarding the timelines.
