Diamer Basha Dam: Progressing Toward 2028 Completion

Diamer Basha Dam: Progressing Toward 2028 Completion: WAPDA Chairman Engr Lt Gen (Retd) Sajjad Ghani, in his recent visit, reviewed the construction progress of the Diamer Basha Dam project in a detailed way. This giant project, which will alter the fate of water and energy in Pakistan in the future, is going as a marathon towards its target to complete in 2028.

Construction of the World’s Tallest Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC) Dam

Located in Pakistan, the Diamer Basha Dam stands at 272 meters and it is considered the highest roller-compacted concrete dam globally. This is a huge bridge constructed across Indus River, 40 kilometers downstream of Chilas town and it is a significant landmark in the physical development plan of Pakistan. WAPDA’s spokesperson said that work on 17 focal sites is going simultaneously in the project and construction works are underway in an appreciable manner.

Chairman’s Detailed Site Visit

While at site, Chairman Ghani toured through elements of the project, such as diversion tunnel 1 and 2, upstream cofferdam, the downstream coffer dam, guide walls, the dam pit and the permanent bridge. He also visited the material testing lab, which is an important section that contributes to efficiency of construction. The Chairman was accompanied by WAPDA’s Member (Water) to have interaction with the representatives of the Diamer Basha Dam Company and the project managers of consultants and contractors.

Data on the river diversion system indicated that it was working effectively, especially during the current high flow period. Much work has been done with the defensing of the abutment of the dam and the permanent access bridge downstream of the main dam, which has been realized.

Emphasis on Timely Completion

During his review, the Chairman noted that it is essential to increase construction speed to meet the targeted timeline. The project, which envisages been completed by 2028, has immense potential for the future growth of Pakistan. Diamer Basha Dam will have the capacity of storing 8.1 million acre-feet (MAF) of water and to provide irrigation to over 1.23 million acres of farmland. Furthermore, the project will add 4,500 MW of electricity; it will produce 18 billion units of clean energy per year.

Community Engagement and Resettlement

In the second part of the same tour, Chairman Ghani held a Jirga and met the elders of Diamer and Upper Kohistan. These focused on CBM spearheaded by WAPDA, covering resettlement programmes and other projects in health, education and infrastructure in WAPDA project-affected areas. Under these CBMs, Rs. 78.5 billion and Rs. 17.35 billion are being provided for development schemes including the Diamer Basha Dam as well as Dasu Hydropower Project.

WAPDA is also committed to providing local employment for both projects. Discussions made during the Jirga also included the Household Package for the displaced persons of Diamer Basha Dam and the Development programme of Dasu projects.

Hydel Profits and Financial Allocations

In a related discussion, Minister for Water Resources Musadik Masood Malik revealed in the National Assembly that out of the cumulative amount, Rs 216 billion has been released to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Rs 73.40 billion to Punjab and Rs 6.4 billion to AJK as net hydrocarbon profit over the last decade. Nonetheless, there is still Rs 36 billion balance to be paid to KP, Rs 71 billion to Punjab, and Rs 380 million to AJK.

The Minister noted that all of these payments are in compliance with the hydel profit formula, which still has the Federal Government meeting its obligations as funds flow in obtained from the Central Power Purchasing Agency.

FAQs

Q1: What is the background knowledge of Diamer Basha Dam?

A1: The Diamer Basha Dam is an RCC (roller-compacted concrete) structure under construction which is going to be built on the Indus River and is going to be the tallest in the world.