Implementation Committee of Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dams (ICDBMD) / Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain (Retd), on Thursday, presented a detailed report to the Chief Justice on the progress made with regard to Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dams.
He called on the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday, August 30, 218 at Supreme Court of Pakistan, Islamabad and presented him the comprehensive report of the ICDBMD for early commencement and timely completion of the two vital multi-purpose projects namely Diamer Basha Dam and Mohmand Dams with cumulative gross water storage capacity of 9.3 million acre feet (MAF) and electricity generation capacity of 5300 mega watts (MW).
The ICDBMD report encompasses issues relating to construction of the two projects, recommendations to overcome the impediments and the strategy to be adopted for initiation of work on Mohmand and Diamer Basha Dams as soon as possible. The issues identified and the recommendation made by the seven Sub-Committees of ICDBMD pertain to land acquisition, resettlement of the projects’ affectees, development works in the projects’ area as confidence building measures (CBMs) for socio-economic uplift of the local populace, procurement of consultancy services and construction works, financing of the projects and security in projects’ areas.
The Supreme Court, in its historic judgment of July 4, 2018, had constituted the ICDBMD for early commencement and timely completion of Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dams.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Justice said that the availability of water is the fundamental right of every citizen and crucial for the survival and well being of the people of Pakistan. He further said that per capita water availability in Pakistan is declining rapidly, which needs to be improved with construction of dams and good governance in water sector.
The Chief Justice appreciated the progress achieved so far by the ICDBMD, adding that the Supreme Court would keep monitoring the progress vis-à-vis construction of the two projects. He also commended the spirit of the people in the country for construction of dams as they have been generously making donations to the Supreme Courts Fund for Dams, which have reached Rs 1.72 billion so far.
Earlier, ICDBMD/WAPDA Chairman briefed that the Implementation Committee is determined to implement the task assigned to it by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan. He assured the Hon’ble Chief Justice that ICDBMD would continue to take all measures for early commencement and timely completion of both Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dams.
22899
