September 24, 2024 – Chairman WAPDA, Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd), emphasized the critical importance of the Dasu Hydropower Project in addressing Pakistan’s energy needs with clean, green, and affordable hydropower. He urged for focused efforts to ensure timely project completion during his recent visit to the construction site in Upper Kohistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Chairman inspected key project areas, including the left and right abutments of the main dam, the underground powerhouse, the transformers cavern, and the relocated Karakoram Highway (KKH-I). He received detailed briefings on progress across 15 major work fronts, which are advancing at a strong pace. Notably, the diversion system, aided by two tunnels and a bypass, successfully withstood recent flood conditions without overtopping the upstream starter dam.
Excavation and slope stabilization work continues on the main dam’s abutments and the powerhouse, while all seven tunnels of KKH-I have reached breakthrough. Additionally, land acquisition for the project has been completed.
During a Jirga with local elders and civil administration from Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan, and Kolai Pallas, the Chairman reaffirmed WAPDA’s commitment to improving the lives of residents in the project area. WAPDA is investing Rs. 17.34 billion in resettlement, environmental management, and social development under the Enhanced Self Managed Relocation (ESMR) Package and Local Area Development Schemes (LADS), with directives to promptly address local concerns.
The 4320 MW Dasu Hydropower Project is being developed in two stages, with the 2160 MW Stage-I currently under construction, expected to generate 12 billion units of low-cost electricity annually. Stage-II will add an additional 9 billion units, making Dasu the highest annual energy-producing project in Pakistan upon completion, with an output of 21 billion units.
