Govt’s top priority is to secure water reservoirs: PM Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan presided over a briefing on national water security strategy and construction of dams to meet agricultural as well as energy requirements of the country on Monday. The prime minister was briefed in detail about the progress of resolution of all pending issues related to construction of Diamer Bhasha Dam. He 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 16,500 jobs and utilize a 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. The meeting was informed that an amount of Rs78.5 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 prime minister expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far and directed to immediately start construction activities of the dam. He said that the government’s top priority is to secure water reservoirs. “Besides optimum utilization of the available water resources for agricultural needs, construction of dams in the country will help meet energy requirements at affordable rate.” PM Imran Khan 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 boot construction and related industry and provide a huge stimulus to our economy,” he maintained. WAPDA Lt Gen (retd) Chairman Muzammil Hussain briefed the meeting about progress of ongoing construction of Mohmand Dam that started recently. The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the speed of work. He was also apprised of the progress on resolution of pending issued related to Dasu Dam project. He expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far and directed to ensure expeditious commencement of the critical Dasu project. The prime minister was briefed that funds have been arranged for Noulong Dam, district Jhal Magsi, Balochistan and that the work will commence next year. He emphasized on starting Sindh Barrage as a priority project. Sindh 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 Sindh. The prime minister appreciated the efforts of Ministry of Water Resources and WAPDA for pursuing projects passionately to realize the 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. The meeting was attended by Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Faisal Wada, Minister for Planning Asad Umar, Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur, SAPM for Information Lt Gen (retd) Asim Bajwa and other senior officers.