Islamabad: The Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Engr Lt Gen (Retd) Sajjad Ghani, has reviewed the ongoing construction efforts at the Diamer Basha Dam, emphasizing the need for expedited progress to achieve the 2028 completion target. The site visit included inspections of crucial construction zones and discussions on local developmental initiatives and employment strategies.

According to Zameen.Com, Chairman Ghani conducted a day-long tour of the dam, located 40 kilometers downstream of Chilas town on the River Indus. The dam, poised to be the world’s tallest roller-compacted concrete (RCC) dam at 272 meters, is undergoing construction at 17 key sites, including diversion tunnels and both upstream and downstream cofferdams. Ghani’s visit also covered the dam pit, guide walls, a permanent bridge, and the material testing laboratory, where he received briefings from the CEO of the Diamer Basha Dam Company and the project’s GM/PD among other stakeholders.

The project aims to significantly boost Pakistan’s irrigation and energy sectors, with the dam expected to store 8.1 million acre-feet of water and irrigate 1.23 million acres. It will also generate 4,500 MW of electricity, producing 18 billion units of power annually.

Furthermore, Ghani’s discussions with the elders of Diamer and Upper Kohistan focused on the resettlement and local development measures associated with the dam and the adjacent Dasu Hydropower Project. He detailed the allocation of PKR 78.5 billion and PKR 17.35 billion for development schemes designed to foster local trust and cooperation. Employment opportunities for community members and additional support through programs such as the House Hold (Chulha) Package and Area Development Programme were also highlighted.