Diamer Bhasha dam ready for commencement of physical work, PM told

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday chaired a briefing on national water security strategy and construction of dams to meet agricultural as well as energy requirements of the country.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Water Resources Mr. Mohammad Faisal Wada, Minister for Planning Mr. Asad Umar, Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz, Minister for Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit Baltistan Mr. Ali Amin Gandapur, SAPM for Information Lt. Gen (R) Asim Bajwa, Chairman WAPDA Lt. Gen (R) Muzammil Hussain and senior other officers.

The PM was briefed in detail about the progress of resolution of all pending issues related to construction of Diamer Bhasha Dam. The prime minister was informed that as per his 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 16500 jobs and utilize huge quantity of cement and steel which will give boost to our industry besides its main purposes of water storage and producing 4500 MW of cheap and affordable electricity for meeting energy requirements of the country.

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 Rs. 78.5 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 flood each year.

The PM expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far and directed to immediately start construction activities of the dam. The Prime Minister said that ensuring water security was the foremost priority of the present government.

He said 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 PM 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.

Chairman WAPDA briefed the meeting about progress of ongoing construction of Mohmand Dam that started recently. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the speed of work.

The PM 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.

Khan was briefed that funds have been arranged for Noulong Dam, district Jhal magsi Balochistan and that the work will commence next year.

PM Khan emphasized on starting Sind Barrage as a priority project. Sind 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 Sind.

He appreciated the efforts of Ministry of Water Resources and 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.