ISLAMABAD
Federal Minister for Water Resources Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah has said that Diamer Basha Dam is a significant project for the national economy, as this will store water for irrigated agriculture, help mitigate floods and generate environment-friendly and low-cost hydel electricity.
He expressed these views while visiting Diamer Basha Dam, being constructed by WAPDA on River Indus, downstream of Chilas town, said a press release. He was accompanied by Advisor to PM on KA&GB Qamar Zaman Kaira.
The minister reviewed excavation at right abutment of the dam and construction work on diversion system and permanent bridge. The minister, while assuring the full support of the Ministry, directed the project management to expedite their efforts for completion of the project as early as possible.
Earlier, CEO Diamer Basha Dam Company along with the GM,PD, the consultants and the contractors briefed the minister about progress on the project. Construction work is being carried out on 10 different sites, which include excavation of dam abutments from the top, diversion tunnel, diversion canal, power intake, permanent access bridge and access roads.
Scheduled for completion in 2029, Diamer Basha Dam will have a gross water storage capacity of 8.1 MAF to irrigate 1.23 million acres of additional land. It will have installed power generation capacity of 4,500 MW, and provide 18 billion units of green and clean hydel electricity to the National Grid per annum.
