ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Lt. General Sajjad Ghani (Retd.), announced that the construction of new dams will add 10 million acre-feet (MAF) of water to Pakistan’s reserves within the next four to five years.
Speaking at a National Assembly Standing Committee on Water Resources meeting, chaired by Khalid Hussain Magsi, Ghani emphasized that with these new projects, the country’s total water availability will increase from 13 MAF to 23 MAF per annum. He urged all provinces to prepare their canal infrastructure in advance to utilize the additional water.
The session also addressed concerns raised by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) MNAs regarding the Thal Canal project, fearing it may deprive Sindh of its fair share of water. However, Secretary of Water Resources, Syed Ali Murtaza, clarified that the project was approved by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), with Sindh’s representative involved in the decision-making process.
To ensure transparency, Murtaza revealed that a new telemetry system is being installed at 27 locations to audit water distribution. Despite these measures, PPP MNAs called for a comprehensive water audit before proceeding with new canal projects.
Meanwhile, the committee reviewed budgetary proposals for the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) 2025-26. The Water Resources Division has requested Rs. 40 billion for various projects.
The much-anticipated Naulong Dam project in Balochistan is moving forward, with land acquisition in progress. The Rs. 1.95 billion project aims to transform water and energy infrastructure in the province, with construction expected to begin in February 2026 and completion by 2031.
Significant progress has also been made on major hydropower projects:
Dasu Hydropower Project: Over 23% completed, with key milestones achieved despite security and land acquisition challenges.
Mohmand Dam: 37.6% completed, with advancements in land acquisition, tunnel excavation, and turbine manufacturing.
Tarbela & Mangla Dams: Capacity enhancements under the Tarbela 4th and 5th extension projects continue to play a vital role in national water and energy security.
The committee plans to visit key dam sites to address public concerns and monitor progress.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
